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Anthony Faour immigrated to the United States in 1905 with his family. They moved to Houston in 1910 where Anthony supported his family by peddling fresh fruit & produce in a push-cart.

As the oldest of nine, Jack Faour worked to help support the family when his father passed away. He read gas meters during the day but needed a second job to earn more money. He followed in his father's footsteps and began to buy fresh produce in Houston's Market Square early in the morning and sell it before going to work. He grew the business by expanding sales to nearby hotels and restaurants.

Jack F. Faour

Jack's Model A Delivery Truck

As his produce business began to flourish, he rented a small basement office near Market Square. When the farmers delivered produce, he would describe the location as "right behind the Magnolia Brewery." In time, he became known by the farmers as "Magnolia Jack."

In 1929, he made it official and Magnolia Fruit and Produce Co. was open for business. He continued to grow the business during the 1930’s and 40’s.

Basement Office at the corner of Smith & Prairie Streets

Ken Faour in the 1950's Magnolia Warehouse

By the early 1950’s, it truly became a family business as Jack's four sons Ken, Gary, Daniel, & Anthony began working with him.

By the mid 1970’s, Ken was the primary operator of Magnolia Fruit & Produce Co. and Ken’s children began to cut their teeth in the produce business. By the mid 1980’s, his son’s Kenny Jack and Tony were working full time with him.

Ken & His Children: Kenny Jack, Liz, Vickie, & Tony

Don Nelson, Ken Faour, & Jan Glenn on Channel 13 ABC Houston

The next step was to take his knowledge of produce to the homes of Houston. In the 1980’s, Ken became known by his catchy one-liner, “Always Get Fresh” and he began 18 years of television with the ABC and CBS Houston Affiliates.

After a devastating fire in the late 1980's, Magnolia was forced to close it's doors. The Faour family continued to work in the produce business, servicing many of Houston's finest restaurants, hotels and school districts....

That same family commitment is what was the catalyst and drive to re-open Magnolia in March of 2007.

Our Team has extensive experience in the produce industry and is truly dedicated to the success of our customers!

Magnolia Office Staff Christmas 2007