San Antonio, August 29, 2025
News Summary
Klein Smokehaus from San Antonio has advanced to the finals of a prestigious competition featuring over 370 entries from nearly 150 Texas cities. The top 10 finalists will present their products to a panel of judges, competing for cash prizes totaling $100,000, with the grand prize winner also earning a spot on retailer shelves. Klein Smokehaus is the only representative from the San Antonio area to reach this stage, showcasing their traditionally made bacon that has been processed and smoked using Texas techniques.
San Antonio
San Antonio bacon maker reaches statewide finals
Klein Smokehaus of San Antonio has advanced to the final round of a statewide food product competition, emerging from a field of more than 370 entries that represented nearly 150 Texas cities. The finalist round will include 10 products and is scheduled to take place in September at the headquarters of the sponsoring grocery company, where finalists will present their products to a panel of judges. The grand-prize winner will receive $50,000 and have their product placed on that retailer’s shelves; second through fourth place prizes are $25,000, $15,000, and $10,000, respectively.
Key facts at a glance
- Product: Bacon produced by Klein Smokehaus
- Owners: Clayton Klein and Colton Sells
- Production site: Historic Hill Country facility in operation since 1950
- Process: Slow-processed and smoked over Texas oak
- Competition scope: Over 370 entries from nearly 150 cities across Texas
- Final round: Top 10 finalists will present to judges in September at the retailer’s headquarters
- Local distinction: Only product from the San Antonio area to reach the finals this year
Why this matters
Advancing to the final 10 places Klein Smokehaus among a small group competing for significant financial support and potential retail distribution across the state. Winning the top prize includes both a monetary award and guaranteed placement on the retailer’s store shelves, a combination that can expand production demands and market exposure for small food producers.
About the product and makers
Klein Smokehaus produces the bacon at a facility in the Hill Country that has been operating since 1950. The product is made using a slow-processing method and is smoked over Texas oak. The company listed its product among the finalists as a distinctive, traditionally made bacon rooted in Texas techniques. Both owners are graduates of Texas A&M University and publicly expressed strong enthusiasm about reaching the final round on social media; the entry is the only finalist from the San Antonio area in this year’s competition.
Competition format and timeline
The competition drew entries from nearly 150 cities across Texas. A judging or selection process narrowed the field to 10 finalists. In the final round, scheduled for September, each finalist will present their product to a panel of judges. Judges will evaluate products, and monetary awards will be distributed to the top four finishers, with the grand-prize winner also receiving in-store placement.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product | Bacon (slow-processed, smoked over Texas oak) |
| Owners | Clayton Klein and Colton Sells |
| Facility | Historic Hill Country site, operating since 1950 |
| Competition scope | Over 370 entries from nearly 150 Texas cities |
| Final round | 10 finalists present to judges in September at the retailer’s headquarters |
| Prizes | $50,000 (grand winner + retail placement), $25,000, $15,000, $10,000 |
Timeline
| Date/Time | Event | Status/Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | Production facility in Hill Country begins operation | Company historical information |
| 2025 (entry period) | Competition accepted over 370 entries from nearly 150 Texas cities | Competition submission data |
| August 2025 | Top 10 finalists announced, including Klein Smokehaus | Competition finalist list |
| September 2025 | Final round at retailer headquarters; finalists present to judges | Competition schedule |
Simple visual charts
What to watch next
Observers and local supporters will watch the September final round for the outcome and potential retail placement. A win would bring both a cash award and statewide retail distribution for the product, which may require scaling production at the Hill Country facility or adjusting distribution arrangements. Regardless of the final ranking, reaching the top 10 places Klein Smokehaus among a small set of finalists selected from a large field of entries across Texas.
FAQ
Who owns Klein Smokehaus?
Klein Smokehaus is owned by Clayton Klein and Colton Sells.
What product from Klein Smokehaus advanced to the finals?
Their bacon, produced at a historic Hill Country facility, advanced to the competition finals.
How many entries and cities were represented in the competition?
The competition received over 370 entries representing nearly 150 cities across Texas.
What prizes are available for the competition?
The grand-prize winner receives $50,000 and retail placement; second through fourth place winners receive $25,000, $15,000, and $10,000, respectively.
When and where is the final round?
The final round is scheduled for September at the sponsoring retailer’s headquarters, where all 10 finalists will present to judges.
How is Klein Smokehaus bacon made?
The bacon is slow-processed and smoked over Texas oak at a facility in the Hill Country that has been operating since 1950.
Is Klein Smokehaus the only San Antonio-area finalist?
Yes; Klein Smokehaus is the only product from the San Antonio area to reach the finals this year.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
H-E-B Reveals Finalists for Quest for Texas Best Competition
Klein Smokehaus Named Finalist in H-E-B’s Quest for Texas Best Competition
Additional Resources
- San Antonio Current
- Wikipedia: Bacon
- KSAT News
- Google Search: Bacon San Antonio
- Texas Monthly
- Google Scholar: Bacon
- News 4 San Antonio
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bacon
- FOX San Antonio
- Google News: Bacon News
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
