Cavender’s All Purpose Greek Seasoning is a familiar addition to steaks, burgers and other dishes across the U.S., but many home chefs might be surprised to learn that the iconic yellow-and-red shaker stashed in their pantries was made in an Arkansas town called Harrison.
“Most people think we would be a much bigger operation, with the amount of distribution we have in the U.S. and Canada,” said Cara Wohlgemuth, who is co-owner of S-C Seasoning Co. with Lisa Cavender.
A Greek chef and restaurant owner from Texas gifted their grandfather with the recipe and his blessing to market the spice, Wohlgemuth said. S-C was incorporated in 1970, and the family has been churning out the 13-ingredient seasoning blend ever since.
The company makes Cavender’s Greek Seasoning and Salt-Free Cavender’s Greek Seasoning in three container sizes: three-and-a-quarter-ounce shakers, eight-ounce shakers and, for restaurants and their suppliers, five-pound buckets. For Cavender’s fans, S-C offers some merchandise with its signature chef logo, as well.
With a staff of 13 employees, the company mixes four to five tons of seasoning every day and runs assembly lines to package its products. An important task is procuring the ingredients, boxes and containers, which became difficult during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Even today, we still have some trouble with getting our supplies,” Wohlgemuth said.
Other duties include processing orders that the business receives via email, fax or phone; processing e-commerce orders; processing payments; and making payments.
“We like being able to have some flexibility as an employer with regard to employee decisions,” Wohlgemuth said of working at a small business. “We also have more flexibility with government-mandated regulations.”
She said working at a small business has taught her about respect — respect for her employees, respect for her customers and respect for the feedback she receives from both.
“We are very proud of the fact that we have been in business for over 50 years,” she added. “We now have the fourth generation of family working in the business, as well.”
She and her husband, Lance, have two daughters, Kat Smith and Emily Bartlett, and all four members of the family work at the business. In addition, Cavender’s son, Austin Price, works at S-C. Lisa, Cara and Lance have worked there for 29 years, and the children have all worked there for three years.
Cara said she enjoys giving back to the community that has supported the company for generations.
“We try and say yes to most of the organizations and community events, even if it is with product donation or door prizes,” she said. “We have been blessed by our loyal customers in Harrison for over 50 years, and we love to be able to give back.”
She said the team is anxious to see where the online market will take the business and looks forward to continued growth, new customers, and new ideas and recipes from up-and-coming Cavender’s lovers.
“We just cannot stress enough how grateful we are for our customers that we have had for over 50 years and the fact that they are passing down their Cavender recipes to their children and grandchildren,” she said. “That makes us very proud.”
