Tabasco factory to open new visitors’ center

Visitors at the Tabasco factory on Avery Island will soon get to do more than watch a filmstrip and peek into the factory to see how the famous pepper sauce is made.

The company is breaking ground on a new visitors’ center, which is currently set to open next summer. In addition to a self-guided history tour, the new center will allow guests to visit the greenhouse where the Tabasco peppers are grown and to see inside the company’s warehouse and processing plant.

Interested visitors will have the opportunity to see peppers growing in different stages throughout the year at the greenhouse. They will also get to experience the smell of the pepper sauce as it is being made.

A new Tabasco-themed restaurant, which will showcase such South Louisiana cuisine such as jambalaya, boudin and crawfish étouffeé, is also being built for Avery Island visitors.

In the meantime, as part of the new enhancements beginning at Tabasco, the new food tours are sure to be a hit.

Every Tuesday through Thursday, guests can board a designated tour bus, which will take them on a culinary journey through Iberia for $49.99 per person. The bus leaves from the Tabasco Country Store on Avery Island at 1 p.m. and returns around 4 p.m. All reservations are on a first-come, first-serve basis, and must be made by noon on the desired day.  

 With six tastings per tour, visitors are guaranteed to savor the flavor of Iberia Parish and experience Cajun food while enjoying Cajun culture.

“A traveling food tour is a natural fit for the world’s most famous hot sauce factory tour,” said Fran Thibodeaux, executive director of the Iberia Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We’re excited about promoting this new component to McIlhenny’s hugely popular factory tour experience.” 

“It’s a really fun tour and a great value,” said Angie Schaubert, senior manager of brand sales for Tabasco. “Learning about the cultural aspects of Iberia Parish while getting to taste Great food! What could be better!”

For more information, or to make reservations, call 337-373-6139.