COMPANY HISTORY
Jose Alberto Madariaga II (Albert) was born in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Albert was taken in by a physically abusive uncle after he was orphaned as a child. Soon after he ran away to live on the streets until he crossed the border and began working low-paying hard labor jobs, eventually working in restaurants. As he worked, he taught himself to read and write in English. He ended up in Kilgore, Texas and established Albert’s Mexican Village restaurant in the 1930’s. As he was developing a reputation for quality Mexican food, Albert developed the hot sauce formula for his own consumption, but friends talked him into serving it in his restaurant. Albert’s Hot Sauce (The Sauce with the unforgettable taste) was served in the restaurant with saltine crackers and butter (still a great combination) instead of tortilla chips as is done today.
In 1970, Albert retired and sold the formula to the Morris family, who grew the business by implementing modern equipment and facilities to accommodate the growth under the company name of Jananna Foods, Inc. In 2009 Jack Smitherman bought the company and is working toward taking this product nationwide. Today, Albert’s Hot Sauce is in most stores in East Texas and neighboring states. It is steadily growing outward from its humble roots. What began in a small café in East Texas has expanded to be one of the leading refrigerated salsas sold in the U.S. today. Jananna Foods is committed to using only the finest ingredients available and that commitment is driving its growth. From the Fresh-Pak Calif-Tomatoes to the finest spices, Jananna Foods is dedicated to pleasing our customers.
At Jananna Foods we are also working on new products to compliment our product line and are currently introducing “Albert's Southwest Salsa” which we believe to be another winner, with its sweeter blend, but with plenty of bite, also available in mild and spicy for every family member’s enjoyment. Look for it in your favorite stores and ask for it by name.
We hope you enjoy our sauces as much as we do and encourage everyone to send us their favorite recipes using our products to try and recommend to our customers.