Dan Arthur Jardine Jr.

Affectionately known as “Head Honcho,” Dan was a maverick in every sense of the word. He lived life according to his own rules and vision, following a compass attuned to his personal True North. Whether you knew him personally or professionally, you experienced his unique spirit, humor, and unmistakable drive.

Born in Augusta, Georgia, and raised in Douglas, Dan spent his childhood summers working on his grandfather’s farm, where he developed a lifelong love of nature, farming, and food. Inspired by Westerns of the silver screen and a life-changing Eagle Scout bus trip from Georgia through the South to New Mexico, he discovered his inner cowboy at an early age—a spirit that would define much of his life and work.

Dan followed in his parents’ footsteps and attended the University of Georgia in Athens, where he was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order. There, he met and married his first wife, with whom he had three children—Natalie, Ashley, and Danny. In Georgia, Dan experimented with farming, real estate, and fast-food ventures, blending his entrepreneurial instincts with a growing fascination for regional foods.

In 1976 Dan remarried and moved with his new wife and children to Fort Collins, Colorado, before settling in Austin the following year. Long before “garage startups” became part of Austin’s story, Dan and his family turned theirs into the birthplace of Jardine’s Texas Foods in 1979. They welcomed their daughter, and the family’s first native Texan, Whitney, in 1983.

Through imagination and determination, Dan and his family built a company that reflected his pioneering spirit and deep respect for Texas heritage. Inspired by his boyhood dream of ranch life, they introduced one of the first lines of regional Texas specialty foods—including chili mixes, Texas Champagne hot pepper sauce, salsas, dips, barbecue sauces, dressings, jams, jalapeño peppers, and seasonings. Dan became one of the earliest and most passionate champions of Texas specialty foods.

By 1992, Jardine’s Texas Foods had grown into an internationally distributed 30-acre production facility in Buda, complete with an authentically restored chuckwagon and a commendation from the Friends of the Hays County Historical Commission for preserving a historic cemetery on the premises. With a heart as big as Texas, Dan fostered a “family first” culture—offering tuition assistance to employees and their children, supporting families of employees called to serve during Operation Desert Storm, and celebrating milestones together as a community.

Jardine Foods was sold in 1998, and he founded Texas Legend Foods in 2005, where he partnered with other Texas icons including HEB and The Salt Lick. He served as President and CEO until his death. His four children—Natalie, Ashley, Dan, and Whitney—will proudly continue his legacy as the owners and operators of Texas Legend Foods.

Throughout his career, Dan was admired for his visionary creativity, tireless work ethic, and unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and the cowboy way. He left behind not only a thriving business legacy but also an enduring spirit of entrepreneurship and pride in Texas craftsmanship.

Dan’s achievements and affiliations reflected his colorful and accomplished life. He was a member or honoree of numerous organizations, including the Benevolent Knights of the Raccoon, Eagle Scouts, Gridiron Secret Society of the University of Georgia, Bulldog Club, International Chili Society (as a Charter Chilihead), Austin Rotary Club, and the National Buffalo Association. He was named an Honorary Admiral in the Texas Navy, won the Chili World Championship in Switzerland, and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Chili Championship, among many others—though he was too humble to mention most of them himself.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Dan A. Jardine and Charlotte Williams Jardine, and his sister, Charlotte Jardine Woodward.

He is survived by his four children: Natalie Jardine, Ashley Temple, Dan A. Jardine III, and Whitney Jardine; by his beloved grandchildren: Olivia Hardage, Diana Hardage, Steven Crider, Charlotte Crider, Peyton Jardine, and Lila Jardine; and by his younger brother, Walter B. Jardine.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dan’s many caregivers for their loyalty, compassion, and devoted service throughout his illness this past year.

An intimate family service will be held among a beloved grove of aspen trees in Crested Butte, Colorado, during his favorite season, when the aspens are golden, fall of 2026.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Dan may be made to the Central Texas Foods Bank or National Parks Service.