The Spec's Story
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The first Spec’s opens in HoustonThe original Spec's opened in 1962 in Houston. Carroll B. "Spec"
Jackson and Carolynn Jackson founded the store. "Spec" Jackson
wanted to work for himself and make enough money so Carolynn
would not have to work. The store's name, Spec's, originated from
his nickname that referred to his spectacles. "Spec" Jackson spent
$7,000 to have his first store opened.1962 -
Spec’s celebrates its first year of business!1963
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1971Lindy and John Rydman join the family businessIn 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!To save time serving his customers, "Spec" Jackson uses roller skates to
zip around his new 15,000 square-foot store. People flock to the store
just to see "the man on skates." -
1974John Rydman introduces the largest
selection of wines in HoustonJohn's love of all things wine is at the forefront of Spec's
wine departments to this day. -
1988Spec’s introduces po’ boy
sandwiches and gourmet foodsSpec's entered the food business in the late 80's with po' boy
sandwiches, crackers, and cheese to satisfy customers' requests.
It was only the beginning of what was to become a huge
selection of gourmet items from all over the world. -
1995Lisa Rydman joins the family businessIn 1995, third generation family member, Lisa Rydman, joins
the Spec's team. She is a primary component in operations and
proud to be part of a historic family business. -
2002Spec’s expands throughout HoustonSpec's phenomenal growth now includes 24 stores and 475
employees all over the Greater Houston area. -
2005Lindy and John Rydman win Ernst & Young’s
“Entrepreneur of the Year” awardFor nine consecutive years, the Houston Press gave Spec's the
"Best Liquor Store" award. And in 2005, Lindy and John Rydman
win the coveted Ernst & Young's "Entrepreneur of the Year" award. -
2007Spec’s arrives in AustinWhat a capital idea for expansion! Spec's opens
three stores in the Austin area. Spec's then
expands to San Antonio and in 2011, launches
in Killeen, Elgin and El Paso! -
2012Shout Spec's Commercial
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2012Spec’s opens in Dallas,
Fort Worth and Lubbock!Spec's continues its successful quest to satisfy
Texans' thirst for big selections and lower prices. -
2015You Are My Only Customer
Commercial
Our mission is to keep everyone in good spirits by offering an inviting, fun place where all are welcome, important and appreciated.
