Like most of South Texas, the landscape around the town of Refugio is abundant with mesquite trees.  Although this small tree is not known for it’s beauty (considered by many to be a scrub bush), various uses have been found for the hard wood from the mesquite tree.  One of the most popular is to use mesquite wood when barbequing for the distinctive flavor from the smoke.

Over 25 years ago, a young cowboy in Refugio Texas wanted to develop a seasoning that would taste as good as the flavor from mesquite smoke.  So Vance Claybrook meticulously experimented with blending natural spices until he developed the perfect all-purpose seasoning recipe.  Over time Vance continued his culinary adventures and developed dry mixes for dips and salsa which were not only delicious, but easy to store and to mix. His seasoning, dips, and salsa were so wildly popular with family and friends that they encouraged him to produce it for sale. 

Thus Mesquite Country Seasoning^tm was born.  For the next twenty years, Vance traveled to Arts and Craft shows throughout Texas selling Mesquite Country Seasoning.

After many years and many shows, Vance decided to retire from Mesquite Country Seasoning and pursue other business endeavors.  He agreed to sell the company to his sister, Lana Claybrook (pictured above with her first customer).  Lana is committed to expanding the business beyond the Texas borders.  The product line continues to be sold at Arts and Crafts shows, Hunting Expos, and other community events, as well as mail order and now via the internet.  Regardless of how it is sold, Lana’s largest focus is to provide the quality product and Texas friendly customer service that Mesquite Country Seasoning is known for.