Tony Chachere facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tony Chachere
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|---|---|
| Born |
Anthony Chachere
June 14, 1905 |
| Died | March 19, 1995 (aged 89) Opelousas, Louisiana
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| Occupation | Businessman, chef |
Tony Chachere (born June 14, 1905 – died March 19, 1995) was an American businessman and chef. He is famous for starting his own company, Tony Chachere's Creole Foods. This company makes seasonings and other food products. Its most well-known product is Tony Chachere's Original Creole Seasoning.
Tony Chachere was also the very first person to be added to the Louisiana Chefs Hall of Fame. He received this special honor in 1995, just one week before he passed away.
Contents
Tony's Early Life and Business
Tony Chachere was born in June 1905 in a town called Opelousas, Louisiana. When he was younger, during a tough economic time called the Great Depression, he worked as a traveling salesman. He sold medicines and other health products.
At age 30, Tony decided to start his own business. He called it the Louisiana Drug Company, or LADCO. He began this company with only $100. Sometimes, he even worked from his own garage.
Creating New Products
Tony was very creative and made his own special mixtures. These included a cough syrup called Mamou Cough Syrup. He also made an insect repellent named Bon Soir Bug.
His hard work paid off. LADCO grew into a very successful business, making a lot of money. Tony Chachere retired from this business for the first time when he was 50 years old.
Second Career and Retirement
Two years after his first retirement, Tony started a new job. He began working for a large company called the Equitable Life Insurance Society. He worked there for 13 years.
During his time there, he was very successful. He was honored in the company's Hall of Fame. Tony Chachere retired for the second time when he was 65 years old.
Cooking and Writing Books
In 1972, Tony Chachere shared his love for cooking with the world. He had spent his life cooking delicious meals for his friends and family. He published his first cookbook, which was called Cajun Country Cookbook.
This cookbook included a special recipe that later became his famous Original Creole Seasoning. People loved the book and the seasoning so much. This positive feedback led him to start his food company, Tony Chachere's Creole Foods.
Later Years and Legacy
Tony formally retired from the food business when he was 76. However, he never stopped creating new recipes and food products. People remember him as a great storyteller and a very enthusiastic cook. He was always full of energy and life.
When he signed his cookbooks, Tony often wrote laissez les bons temps rouler. This is a French phrase that means "let the good times roll." He passed away in 1995, just before his 90th birthday.
Today, Tony Chachere's Creole Foods is still a family business. His grandson, Don Chachere, now runs the company. The company continues to sell many different products. These include cookbooks, seasoning mixes, dinner mixes, marinades, sauces, and more.
