On Tuesday a San Antonio icon in the food industry received recognition as an historic Texas business.
Bolner’s Fiesta Products was honored by the state as a Texas Treasure.
The Texas Treasure Award was created by the legislature in 2005 to honor long-standing businesses that have added value and character to the culture of the state.
State Sen. Leticia Van De Putte, who presented the award to the Bolner family, said it was especially meaningful for her.
"The first one was HEB. Frost Bank is another one," Van De Putte said. "The Van de Putte family and the Bolners have been friends for three generations."
But Van de Putte said the company had to claim its award on its own merit. First, a company must be nominated by a legislator or other state official.
"And the first lady, Anita Perry, has nominated a few," Van De Putte said. "So once it is nominated the Texas Historical Commission checks all the records; they go through the comptroller's office, they go through every single state agency to make sure that it was a business in good standing and that they have been certified to do business in Texas for at least over 50 years."
Mike Bolner said his dad bought the business in 1955 and grew the business over half a century from a handful of single spices to 144 varieties of packaged spices and blends today.
"Anybody that can stay in business for over 50 years in Texas continuously; there's several hurdles to cross over," Bolner said. "You have to stay in good standing with the Secretary of State for all that time. If you don't pay your taxes one year or you don't do this or that, you can lose that 50 years. So we think it's just huge."
Bolner took the occasion to introduce three new spice blends: SW fajita seasoning, garlic pepper, and chipotle hamburger spice that he said will be in stores in time for summer barbecues.
