SAN ANTONIO, Texas (January 23, 2013) - (Rep. “Doc” Anderson (R-Waco)/Sen. Leticia Van de Putte (D-San Antonio)) recognized The Buckhorn Saloon & Museum as a Texas Treasure on the (House/Senate) floor at the State Capitol in Austin.
The distinction from the Texas Historical Commission honors businesses that have been in existence for more than 50 years, and have remained in good standing. The Buckhorn Saloon & Museum joins 35 other businesses from around the state who share this recognition. Six additional businesses were added to the list on Jan. 23 at the Capitol, the same day The Buckhorn Saloon & Museum was recognized on the (House/Senate) floor.
“We are beyond ecstatic to receive this award from the state of Texas. We have long thought of The Buckhorn Saloon as a treasure to our family and we are so proud to have it recognized as a Texas Treasure,” says Emmy Ballantyne, great-great granddaughter of Buckhorn founder Albert Friedrich.
Created in 2005 through legislation authored by Sen. Leticia Van de Putte and sponsored by Rep. Charles “Doc” Anderson, the program recognizes well-established Texas companies and their exceptional historical contributions to the state’s economic growth and prosperity.
“The businesses recognized here today exemplify the reason a company remains successful year after year,” said Sen. Van de Putte. “Hard work, quality service, and resourcefulness go a long way in the Lone Star State and we’re pleased to recognize those traits.”
“We’re proud of all our historic businesses,” said Rep. Anderson. “These are businesses that give back to their communities, not just in job growth and expanded tax revenues, but as friends and neighbors who people come to depend on year after year.”
A special decal identifying the business as a Texas Treasure will be publicly displayed at The Buckhorn Saloon & Museum in San Antonio, Texas. Consumers will know that when they spot the familiar Texas Treasure Business icon, they are doing business with a well-established, Texas-owned-and-operated business that has long contributed to job growth, stimulated the local economy, and generated state and local revenues.
One of San Antonio’s longest running, family-owned businesses, The Buckhorn Saloon & Museum was established in 1881 by entrepreneur Albert Friedrich. The Buckhorn has long been known as a gathering place for good conversation, great food and spectacular wildlife exhibits. The facility features over 40,000 square feet of exhibit space, 8,000 square feet of convention and meeting space, a lunch café and a Texas-sized gift shop. In 2006, The Buckhorn added on The Texas Ranger Museum, which includes artifacts from famous Texas Rangers as well as “Rangertown” a recreation of San Antonio in the late 1800s. In 2011, The Buckhorn completed a major renovation updating the animal exhibits which contain over 500 different species of animals from around the world. The Buckhorn plans on continuing the legacy for years to come.
“It is a privilege for us to recognize our long-established businesses that have remained committed to Texans for generations, while creating jobs and stimulating economic growth,” said THC Chairman Matt Kreisle. “May this recognition serve to increase your success and productivity for many years to come.”
Texas Treasure Business Awards are made throughout the year with the support of state legislators. For more information about the Texas Treasure Business Award, contact the THC at 512.463.6100 or visit www.thc.state.tx.us.