2025 Southeast Texas Visitor Guide High Res - Flipbook - Page 9
FAMOUS FOR FOOD
Southeast Texas is a culinary melting pot,
reflecting its rich blend of cultures and
proximity to the Gulf Coast. Check out
some of the brands that started here in
SETX:
SEAPORT
COFFEE
JASON’S DELI: Founded in Beaumont in
1976, Jason’s Deli became a popular fast casual
restaurant known for delicious sandwiches and
salad bar.
TEXJOY & SEAPORT COFEE: The official
coffee of Texas was founded in Beaumont in 1921,
with the signature seasonings and spices of TexJoy.
ZUMMO MEAT CO.: Dating back to 1908,
the Zummo Meat Company has been producing
sausage, boudin, and meat products.
RAO’S: Established in 1941, Rao’s Bakery is
a Southeast Texas favorite, serving up delicious
treats.
PORT ARTHUR
RAILROAD
LEO’S ORIGINALS: Created in the Quality
Cafe Kitchen in downtown Beaumont, these
dressings and marinades also propelled Jason’s
Deli to fame.
RAIL HISTORY
TEXJOY
SEASONINGS
The inspiration for Port Arthur’s founding
was novel; railroad pioneer Arthur E.
Stilwell, who established the town later
wrote that the ideas for his railways and
the location of his namesake city came
from “brownies” who spoke to him.
Stilwell began settling the city in 1895 with
financial assistance from Dutch investors.
The founder of what is now Kansas City
Southern (KCS) Railroad envisioned Port
Arthur as the southern terminus for his
new railway, a center for trade and tourism.
The city dates its official beginnings to its
incorporation in 1898.
LOCAL LEGENDS
JASON’S
DELI
Legends are born in SETX, and the legacy
they leave is indescribable. Check out our
Top 20 Local Legends on page 24 of this
visitors guide.
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