Winston salem, NC

Texas Pete Hot Sauce

• Originated in Winston-Salem in 1929.

• Created when Thad Garner bought the Dixie Pig barbecue stand and inherited a hot sauce recipe.

• Even after the restaurant closed, the sauce brand took on a life of its own.

• Despite the name, it’s pure NC — “Texas” was chosen just for a spicy Southwestern flair.

Historic Buildings

• Nissen Building (1926–27)

  • Once the tallest building in North Carolina at 18 stories.

  • A symbol of Winston-Salem’s booming industrial and financial growth in the early 20th century.

• Arista Cotton Mill Complex

  • Includes a 1836 building from the Salem Cotton Manufacturing Company and an 1880 mill by the Fries family.

  • Converted into the historic Brookstown Inn, preserving Winston-Salem’s textile and industrial legacy.

African American Business History

• The A. Robinson Building (built 1940–41) became a hub for African American–owned businesses during segregation.

• It housed enterprises like a funeral home and barber shop, giving Black entrepreneurs a foothold in Winston-Salem’s economy.

• Today, it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognized for its role in the city’s social and business history.