The Story Behind Taste of Texas Cinnamon Coffee: A Bright and Early Collaboration
The Story Behind Taste of Texas Cinnamon Coffee: A Bright and Early Collaboration
In the world of Houston dining, few experiences capture the spirit of Texas quite like a meal at Taste of Texas—the iconic steakhouse known for its prime Certified Angus Beef, warm hospitality, and that unforgettable post-dinner (or breakfast) cup of cinnamon-spiced coffee. What many fans don't realize is that this signature cinnamon coffee has deep roots with Bright and Early Coffee, and it's a partnership built on decades of family-to-family trust and shared commitment to quality.
Back in the late 20th century (with the collaboration spanning over 20 years and counting), the Hendee family—Edd and Nina Hendee, who founded Taste of Texas in 1977—wanted a distinctive, house coffee that would complement their bold Texas flavors and leave guests with a memorable finish. They turned to us at Bright and Early Coffee (rooted in the Duncan family's legacy since 1918) to create something special: a smooth, aromatic blend featuring warm notes of cinnamon that evokes the comfort of Texas hospitality without overpowering the cup.
We worked hand-in-hand to craft the perfect recipe—a medium-roast profile using premium 100% Arabica beans, infused with just the right touch of real cinnamon for that signature spiced warmth. The result? A comforting, balanced coffee that's become synonymous with the Taste of Texas experience—served fresh in the restaurant, available for purchase in their gift shop, and beloved by locals and visitors alike. It's the kind of coffee that turns a great meal into an unforgettable one, with hints of cinnamon lingering like a gentle Texas breeze.
This isn't just a business arrangement; it's a true family partnership. For more than two decades, the Duncan family (now in our fifth generation) has proudly supplied Taste of Texas with their custom cinnamon blend for on-site brewing and retail sales. We've roasted it fresh daily in our Houston facility, ensuring every bag or pot delivers the consistent quality both families demand. It's a testament to how Houston's independent, family-run businesses support each other—building traditions that last generations.
Today, you can bring that same iconic flavor home through our website under the name Cinnamon Viennese (also known as our Taste of Texas Cinnamon Coffee). This rich, spiced classic is smooth and aromatic with a hint of warm cinnamon—perfect for cozy mornings, after-dinner sipping, or sharing with friends. Available in whole bean, ground, or convenient K-Cups, it's the exact blend we've been perfecting together for years.
Whether you're a longtime Taste of Texas regular craving that familiar taste or discovering it for the first time, our Cinnamon Viennese is more than flavored coffee—it's a slice of Houston heritage, born from two families who believe in doing things right, one roast at a time.
Head over to brightandearlycoffee.com/products/cinnamon-viennese and grab a bag today. Taste the tradition that's been brewing strong since the partnership began—and here's to many more years of great coffee and great Texas stories!
Bright and Early Coffee: Something to Crow About, since 1918. Family-owned in Houston, Texas—proud partners with the Hendee family and Taste of Texas.