Something Zesty Is Cooking in San Antonio

Picture this: You’re lounging poolside, the sun is shining, and you’ve got a perfectly chilled margarita in hand, rimmed with just the right punch of citrusy, salty, spicy magic. That’s the TWANG effect. Born in San Antonio and rooted in family tradition, TWANG has been turning everyday sips and snacks into unforgettable flavor moments for over 35 years. Beyondish chatted with TWANG’s CEO, Elysia Treviño-Gonzales, about the company’s flavorful journey, how they balance tradition with new tastes, and why giving back to their community is at the core of everything they do.

Twang’s flavors are unique to the market because we’re all about using top-quality ingredients to make creative salt and sugar blends people love. My dad, Roger Treviño, Sr., started the company with a passion for adding flavor and fun to people’s eating and drinking experiences. We’ve stayed true to that mission, while always being open to innovation. Our traditional salt and seasoning blends are carefully crafted, but we’re never afraid to push boundaries and experiment with bold new flavors. My love for food and drink—whether it’s dining out, trying new recipes, or exploring flavor trends, keeps our brand fresh and exciting.

Flavored salts and rimming blends have become a staple for many. How do you keep innovating while staying true to your roots?

Innovation is the key to our success, but it’s always been grounded in the roots that my dad laid out. We stay true to the idea of enhancing the eating and drinking experience but constantly look for new ways to excite and entice our customers. We keep a close eye on trends, consumer behavior, and different ways people enjoy food and drinks to stay ahead of the curve. As long as we keep the heart of our product—bringing joy to people’s everyday moments—we can keep evolving while staying connected to our traditions.

What’s the latest and greatest product TWANG is working on? 

We’re always working on something new, but I prefer to keep the exciting products under wraps for now. Keep an eye out—something exciting may be coming soon!

TWANG is deeply connected to San Antonio. Why is giving back to the community so important to you?

Giving back is important to me because it’s always been a core value of our family. San Antonio has supported Twang since the very beginning, and I believe it’s essential for us to support our community in return. Whether we help local organizations, support food banks, or collaborate with education programs, we strengthen our bonds with those who’ve helped us grow. Success isn’t just about business; it’s about making a meaningful impact where we live and work.

Your team volunteers at the food bank. What does it mean for your employees to be hands-on in helping fight hunger?

I’m so proud of the work they do day-to-day and in the community. Volunteering at the food bank gives us a tangible way to give back and be part of something bigger. It’s also a way to see firsthand the needs that exist, and make a difference outside of ourselves. Our employees are committed to helping fight hunger; it’s part of the culture we’ve built at Twang. Collaboration and giving are at the heart of our mission.

TWANG also supports education, particularly young culinary students. Why did you choose the San Jacinto Valley Academy Culinary Arts Program, and how has your sponsorship helped these students?

We chose the San Jacinto Valley Academy Culinary Arts Program as it aligns with our mission to support the next generation of creators. Culinary arts are an impactful way for students to express their passion and creativity—we’re proud to help foster that. By sponsoring the program, we’ve given students real-world opportunities to develop their skills. Giving back to the community in a way that helps students transform into professionals who will keep pushing boundaries in the culinary world is an honor and privilege to participate in.

What advice would you give to other companies looking to make an impact?

Businesses thrive through the communities they serve; it’s only right to give back in ways that have a positive impact. I’d implore fellow companies to identify what they are passionate about and seek ways to give back that align with their values. Whether supporting education, providing jobs, or helping address local needs, doing something meaningful makes a difference. Don’t be afraid to collaborate with others. When we work together for the greater good, that’s when real change happens.

What’s next for TWANG? Any big projects on the horizon?

We’re focusing on expanding our reach across the country, with more stores carrying Twang products so our patrons never have to worry about where or when they can buy. The goal is for every household to have a Twang product in their pantry within the next decade. Beyond that, we always explore new products, fresh flavors, and unique collaborations. There’s so much growth potential, so we’re excited about what the future holds.

How do you see TWANG’s role in the community evolving over the next few years?

I foresee our role expanding, especially in supporting education, local charities, and small businesses. We will continue to be deeply involved in San Antonio, but I also see our influence reaching beyond the Southwest as we grow nationally. We aim to stay connected to our patrons in every way we can. Just like my dad taught me, our community-driven approach will always be at the heart of what we do.