7 Big Businesses That Were Started In Deep East Texas

Deep East Texas, Texas Forest Country, or whatever you call our secluded section of East Texas, the entrepreneurial spirit here is strong. Several businesses can trace their roots back to the Lufkin and Nacogdoches area.

One of the biggest examples is Lufkin Industries, founded in 1902 by H.E. "Bud" Lufkin. Originally the Lufkin Foundry and Machine Company was a machine shop that repaired and built sawmill machinery for the forestry industry.

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Once the lumber industry cooled off they just started gathering more steam and making oil drilling and refinery equipment. Then they started an iron foundry and started making truck trailers and gears.

They were later sold piece by piece, but this big industry in Lufkin was a huge boom to the economy and for some residents, it was the start of their fortunes.

Brookshire Brothers Is Rooted In Deep East Texas

Brookshire Brothers is an employee-owned supermarket that was founded in 1921 by brothers Austin and Tom Brookshire in Lufkin. They are still in operation over 100 years later and growing.

According to brookshirebrothers.com Brookshire Brothers expanded into over 110 retail establishments that include the well-known grocery stores, but also include convenience stores, pharmacies, tobacco, and gasoline locations.

Brookshire's in Tyler operates independently and was started when Wood T. Brookshire and his cousin W.A. Brookshire left the company to start the new venture.

Globally Known Candy Giant Starts In Lufkin

Another business that started in Lufkin that is still thriving is Atkinson Candy Company. This company started in 1932. Now everyone in the country knows where our slice of heaven is because it's printed right on their Chick-O-Stick that can be purchased all over the country and beyond.

Keep Reading: 8 Festive Fall Events In Lufkin This October

Take a look at our full list of proof that the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Deep East Texas.

7 Businesses Founded In Deep East Texas

There have been many different types of businesses founded in the Lufkin-Nacogdoches area. Though these are not all, here are 7 examples that stand out as notable favorites from the past and present.

Gallery Credit: Dan Patrick