Boerne, Texas, August 30, 2025
News Summary
Klein Smokehaus Fine Quality Meats, located in Boerne, Texas, has been named a finalist in H-E-B’s 12th Annual ‘Quest for Texas Best’ competition for their renowned Oak Smoked Bacon. Competing against over 370 submissions from across Texas, Klein Smokehaus, a family-run business since 1950, has made its mark with its commitment to quality meats and traditional preparation methods. The competition aims to spotlight the best local products, with significant cash prizes for the winners. The excitement surrounding their finalist status reflects the strong connection to the community and the values of artisanal food crafting.
Boerne, Texas
Klein Smokehaus Fine Quality Meats has been named a finalist in H-E-B’s 12th Annual “Quest for Texas Best” competition with their signature Oak Smoked Bacon. This event showcases the best Texas-made products, and Klein Smokehaus has distinguished itself among over 370 submissions from nearly 150 cities across the state.
The family-owned smokehouse, located at 342 N. Main St. in Boerne, Texas, was established in July 1950 by the Waldeck family. Currently co-owned by Clayton Klein and Colton Sells, Klein Smokehaus specializes in fresh meats, traditional Texas BBQ, oak smoked sausages, quality deer processing, and their acclaimed bacon. The business stands out as the only finalist from the San Antonio area this year.
About the Competition
The “Quest for Texas Best” competition aims to spotlight local entrepreneurs and food producers, encouraging them to share their innovative products. This year, finalists will have the opportunity to present their goods at H-E-B’s headquarters in September. The grand-prize winner will receive a $50,000 award and a chance to have their product placed on H-E-B store shelves. The second, third, and fourth place recipients will earn $25,000, $15,000, and $10,000, respectively.
Product Highlights
Klein Smokehaus’s Oak Smoked Bacon is processed using traditional methods, emphasizing quality and flavor. The bacon is noted for its slow processing and smoking over Texas oak, which delivers a rich, authentic taste. This artisanal approach is part of the appeal of Klein Smokehaus, merging time-honored techniques with a commitment to quality.
Community and Tradition
The announcement of Klein Smokehaus’s selection as a finalist has been met with excitement among its owners, who celebrated the achievement on their social media platforms, reflecting their deep-rooted connection to their products and the local community. This recognition reinforces the strength of family-operated businesses in Texas’s vibrant food scene.
Competition Timeline
| Date/Time | Event | Status/Source |
|---|---|---|
| September 2023 | Final Round Competition at H-E-B HQ | Upcoming |
| July 1950 | Establishment of Klein Smokehaus | Historic |
Key Features of Klein Smokehaus
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | 342 N. Main St., Boerne, Texas |
| Established | July 1950 by the Waldeck family |
| Owners | Clayton Klein and Colton Sells |
| Specialty | Fresh meats, BBQ, oak smoked sausages, quality deer processing, bacon |
| Recognition | Finalist in H-E-B’s “Quest for Texas Best” |
What is the “Quest for Texas Best” competition?
The “Quest for Texas Best” is an annual competition by H-E-B that invites Texas entrepreneurs to submit their products, showcasing the best of local innovation and culinary talent.
What does the grand-prize winner receive?
The grand-prize winner receives $50,000 and placement of their product on H-E-B shelves.
Where is Klein Smokehaus located?
Klein Smokehaus Fine Quality Meats is located at 342 N. Main St. in Boerne, Texas.
When will the final round of the competition take place?
The final round of the competition is scheduled for September at H-E-B’s headquarters.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Antonio Businesses Struggle Amid Shipping Suspensions and Tariff Changes
San Antonio Bacon Maker Reaches Statewide Finals
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: Boerne, Texas
- Austin American-Statesman
- Google Search: Klein Smokehaus
- Community Impact
- Google Scholar: Texas Smokehouse
- San Antonio Express-News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas BBQ
- San Antonio Current
- Google News: H-E-B Quest for Texas Best
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.
