Tony Chachere's Creole Foods

Tony Chachere (pronounced "SAH-shur-ee") was born in Opelousas, Louisiana in 1905, and spent a lifetime cooking for dignitaries, friends, and anyone who showed up at his legendary fishing and hunting camp in the Atchafalaya Swamp. In 1972, at age 67 — after two separate retirements — he published his Cajun Country Cookbook, which included the recipe for his homemade Creole seasoning. The response was immediate. To meet demand, he started Tony Chachere's Creole Foods.

He didn't make it to 90. But the company did. Tony died in March 1995, just one week after becoming the first inductee into the Louisiana Chefs Hall of Fame. His descendants still own and run the company from Opelousas. Grandson Don Chachere now leads operations.

The seasoning itself — that green-capped green can — is one of the most recognizable pantry items in the South. It's a blend of salt, red pepper, garlic, and other spices calibrated for the Cajun and Creole kitchen: good on chicken, fish, rice, vegetables, eggs, practically everything. The product line has expanded considerably since 1972 — marinades, rubs, dinner mixes, sauces, batters, and frozen items — but the seasoning is still the anchor.

There's a Country Store in Opelousas you can actually visit. The brand sponsors local events and stays visibly tied to Acadiana, the region that made it. That's not a coincidence — it's continuity. Tony Chachere's Creole Foods is one of those Louisiana institutions that outlasted its founder because the family made a point of keeping it.

Products

• Original Creole Seasoning (the flagship green can)
• Lite Creole Seasoning (reduced sodium)
• Creole Butter Injectable Marinade
• Herb & Garlic Marinade
• Creole-Style Dirty Rice Mix
• Gumbo & Jambalaya Mixes
• Batters and breadings
• Sauces and hot sauce blends
• Frozen meal line (gumbos, rice dishes)

Why We List Them

• Founded 1972 in Opelousas, Louisiana; still owned by Chachere descendants — no outside investors
• Grandson Don Chachere currently leads the company
• Tony Chachere himself was the first inductee into the Louisiana Chefs Hall of Fame (1995)
• Flagship seasoning unchanged in formula for over 50 years
• Rooted in Acadiana Cajun and Creole culinary tradition — not a trend brand
• Country Store in Opelousas open for local retail; sponsorship of regional events