Top Hidden Gems Near Braun's Farm – Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods | Bandera CBD Store

11751 Bandera Rd, San Antonio, TX 78250

The Company’s Story:

1962

THE FIRST SPEC’S OPENS IN HOUSTON

The initial Spec’s in Houston opened in 1962. With Carroll B. “The shop was founded by” Spec “Jackson and Carolynn Jackson. Jackson wanted “Spec” to work for himself and make enough money to keep Carolynn from having to work. The name of the shop, Spec’s, came from the nickname that referred to his spectacles. “Spec” Jackson spent seven thousand dollars opening his first store.

1963

SPEC’S CELEBRATES ITS FIRST YEAR OF BUSINESS!

1971

LINDY AND JOHN RYDMAN JOIN THE FAMILY BUSINESS

In 1971, the Jackson’s daughter, Lindy, and her husband, John Rydman, joined the business after graduating from college. Lindy and John learned the business from the ground up. Together the Jacksons and Rydmans put Spec’s in the world’s spotlight. With the introduction of wines in 1974, John Rydman created even more excitement about Spec’s with the breadth of wine selection and pricing offered in Houston.

1973

“SPEC” JACKSON SERVES AMAZED CUSTOMERS ON ROLLER SKATES!

“Spec” Jackson uses roller skates to speed around his new 15,000 square-foot store in order to save time servicing his clients. Just to see “the guy on skates,” people flock to the shop.

1988

SPEC’S INTRODUCES PO’ BOY SANDWICHES AND GOURMET FOODS

In the late ’80s, Spec’s entered the food industry with po’ boy sandwiches, crackers, and cheese to fulfill the demands of clients. It was just the beginning of what was to become a vast array of gourmet goods from all over the world.

1995

LISA RYDMAN JOINS THE FAMILY BUSINESS

The third generation of the family, Lisa Rydman, joined the Spec team in 1995. She is a crucial factor in operations and is proud to be part of a traditional family business.

2002

SPEC’S EXPANDS THROUGHOUT HOUSTON

The phenomenal growth of Spec now involves 24 stores in the Greater Houston area and 475 employees.

2005

LINDY AND JOHN RYDMAN WIN ERNST & YOUNG’S “ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR” AWARD

The phenomenal growth of Spec now involves 24 stores in the Greater Houston area and 475 employees.

2007

SPEC’S ARRIVES IN AUSTIN AND BEYOND!

What an idea of capital for growth! In the Austin area, Spec’s will open three stores. In the next few years, Spec’s will extend to San Antonio, Killeen, El Paso, Dallas, Fort Worth, Lubbock and all over Texas!

2016

VINTAGE VIRTUOSO 20TH ANNIVERSARY

In support of the Houston Symphony’s education and community services, Spec’s Charitable Foundation held their 20th annual Vintage Virtuoso event that raised more than $3.5 million dollars.

2017

SPEC’S CELEBRATES 55TH ANNIVERSARY

Spec’s has been the Texas go-to for good times and gourmet meals for 55 years. Now, we’re taking savings and variety to every corner of the Lone Star State with over 100 stores across Texas, and more on the way.