Spec's Wine, Spirits & Finer Foods
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail (liquor store) |
| Founded | 1962 in Houston, Texas, United States |
| Founder | Carroll B. "Spec" Jackson and Carolynn Jackson |
| Headquarters | Houston , United States |
Area served | Greater Houston, Greater Austin, Greater Corpus Christi, Greater San Antonio, Dallas/Fort Worth, Beaumont/Port Arthur, College Station, Killeen, Victoria, El Paso, Lubbock |
Key people | John Rydman (President), Lindy Rydman (Co-owner), Lisa Rydman (Vice President of Marketing) |
| Products | Wine, spirits, beer, delicatessen foods, specialty foods |
Number of employees | 475 (2002); ~200 at flagship store (2011) |
Spec's Wine, Spirits & Finer Foods, a family-operated liquor retail chain headquartered in Midtown, Houston, holds the distinction of being the largest alcohol distributor in the Greater Houston area. Renowned for its extensive store layouts, Spec's has been dubbed "Houston’s 800-pound wine gorilla" by the Houston Chronicle. By 2010, it was ranked among the top five largest wine retailers across the United States.
History
Established in 1962 by Carroll B. "Spec" Jackson and Carolynn Jackson in Houston’s Fifth Ward, Spec's began as a local liquor outlet primarily specializing in beer and spirits. The store’s name originates from Jackson’s nickname, which referred to his eyeglasses. The initial capital invested was $7,000.
Within ten years, the company expanded steadily, growing to 16 outlets throughout Greater Houston due to consistent profitability. After the founders passed away in 1996, ownership transferred to their daughter Lindy Rydman and her husband John Rydman. Under their management, Spec's broadened its product offerings by adding delicatessen selections in response to customer requests.
By 2002, Spec's had grown to operate 24 stores staffed by 475 employees within the Greater Houston region. The company pursued strategic growth through acquisitions and new market entries: it purchased Palms Liquor in Galveston in 2008; launched a store in Live Oak to serve the Greater San Antonio area in 2009; and by 2011 expanded further with locations in Killeen and Dallas/Fort Worth. This regional expansion triggered competitive reactions from established chains such as Goody Goody Liquor.
Spec's has earned recognition for its significant market presence and strong customer base, securing the Houston Press "Best Liquor Store" accolade for eight consecutive years.
Corporate affairs
As of 2011, John Rydman holds the position of president, managing Spec's alongside Lindy Rydman. Their daughter, Lisa, fulfills the role of vice president of marketing. The company’s main office is situated within the #00 Downtown Store in Midtown Houston, close to Downtown Houston itself.
Philanthropy
Founded in 1996, the Spec's Charitable Foundation dedicates its efforts to supporting educational initiatives. Additionally, the company organizes the yearly Vintage Virtuoso dinner and wine tasting event, which raises funds for the Houston Symphony.
Locations
By 2013, Spec's operated more than 165 outlets predominantly across Greater Houston, Greater Austin, and Greater Corpus Christi. The chain’s largest facility, covering 55,000 square feet, is located in Bryant Irvin, Fort Worth. Other stores serve regions such as Beaumont/Port Arthur, College Station, Killeen, Greater San Antonio, Victoria, El Paso, and Lubbock.
Store #00 Downtown
The flagship Houston store (Store #00 Downtown) encompasses office spaces, retail areas, a climate-controlled wine cellar, and a training facility. Spanning over three city blocks, it employed around 200 people as of 2011.
Its wine and liquor department covers , showcasing an inventory exceeding 10,000 types of spirits, wines, and liqueurs. The store includes a beer cooler with 35 doors and a walk-in humidor housing 900 cigar varieties. The full-service delicatessen occupies , offering caviar alongside more than 1,000 varieties of American and international cheeses, crackers, roasted whole bean coffees, condiments, smoked fish, jams, jellies, oils, pastas, sauces, vinegars, and made-to-order sandwiches. The bakery section features imported French bread. This original Houston location carries 21,000 specialty food SKUs and accounts for 11% of total sales. Nicole Potenza-Denis from Specialty Food Magazine described this flagship as "reportedly the largest single wine and liquor store in the world."
During the 2000s expansion marking the chain’s 40th anniversary, the store acquired neighboring parcels to extend by an additional city block. Founder John Rydman prioritized preserving and renovating the original warehouse to maintain its distinctive character instead of relocating for operational efficiency. Previously, the wine storage was located several blocks away but was considered inefficient for daily use.