Made in Winston-Salem. Yep, that sure has a nice ring to it. From clothing and accessories to snacks and other fun finds, we’ve rounded up 20 things homegrown in The Twin City.
Manufacturing
Hanes
Your favorite underwear brand started and is headquartered right here in Winston-Salem. Next time you pick up a pair of boxers or a t-shirt, know that it’s all thanks to John Wesley Hanes, who was once one of the city’s wealthiest businessmen.
Texas Pete Hot Sauce
Don’t let the name fool you — this spicy sauce is Winston-Salem, born and bred. According to the company’s website, the name is thanks to a suggestion from a marketing adviser. Texas Pete’s current factory was built in 1942 and sits on the founding family’s original home site in northwest Winston-Salem.
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
The largest tobacco company in the US, R.J. Reynolds is well known around these parts. It was founded by its namesake in 1875 and is now a subsidiary of Reynolds American, Inc.
Snacks
Krispy Kreme Dougnuts
Yes, it’s true — Krispy Kreme originated right here in Winston-Salem. While the donuts are made fresh at each franchise location, and headquarters moved to Charlotte in 2017, we’d be remiss not to mention the business that got its start in the Twin City.
Moravian cookies/Dewey’s Cookies
Dewey’s Bakery was founded in 1930, many years after the Moravian people came to America and founded Salem, NC. The bakery’s Moravian cookie comes from recipes that the Moravian people brought with them during that journey.
Red Clay Gourmet pimento cheese
Pimento cheese is a staple here in the south, which means you’ve gotta buy it local. We recommend Red Clay Gourmet’s jalapeno flavor – the company uses NC-grown jalapeno peppers.
Salem Kitchen cheese straws
Salem Kitchen has been around since 1989, and these cheese straws have been along for the entire ride. The straws are baked in small batches and are the perfect addition to soup.
Y’all Sauce
Find this locally-made sauce brand in stores across the southeastern US, or shop online. Try recipes like the sweet and spicy “Tennessee Jezebel Sauce” or the creamy “Mississippi Comeback Sauce.”
Clothing
Camel City Goods
Though Camel City Goods closed its brick-and-mortar store, the local apparel brand still sells tees, sweatshirts, accessories, and more online. The business launched back in 2012 with six t-shirts that celebrated the Winston-Salem community.
Jenni Earle
Shop bandanas and silk scarves that are dyed and tumbled by local maker Jenni Earle, then peruse the rest of the sight for more decor.
Drinks
Sutler’s Spirit Co.
According to this local distillery’s website, “Sutler’s Gin isn’t just from Winston-Salem, it’s made of it.” The company’s gin has notes of lavender, coriander, juniper, lemon, and bitter orange.
Wise Man Brewing
Did you know that a Ph.D. chemist is behind Wise Man Brewing? Back in 2005, a local chemist named Sam experimented with a home brewing kit that eventually gave way to the popular brewery we know today.
Incendiary Brewing Co.
Though Incendiary has several NC locations now, the Winston-Salem brewery was its first. Stay updated on new releases via social media.
Radar Brewing Co.
The founders of Radar Brewing met at another local brewery, Foothills, before starting their own operation. You can find the company’s drinks at its taproom or at various restaurants, bars, and retails spots around town.
Foothills Brewery
This longtime local brewery has a downtown brewpub, main brewing facility and tasting room on Kimwell Drive + a coffee and cocktail spot that’s located next to the brewpub. You can take a $20 tour of the brewery on the first Tuesday of every month from 6 to 8 p.m.
Broad Branch Distillery
Broad Branch focuses on Blue Ridge Mountain distilling traditions that have been passed down through generations. Founded by John Fragakis and Nick Doumas in 2014, the distillery is now owned by Fragakis’ daughters, Anna Windham and Natalie Spinosa.
Kin & Cottage makes candles, incense, soap, bath bombs, and more.
Photo via @kinandcottage
Home products
Pine Hall Brick
Clay brick manufacturing and product development company Pine Hall Brick has been in Winston-Salem since 1924 — originally, it was located in Pine Hall. Today, the company employs over 300 and is one of the nation’s leading producers of clay pavers.
Kin & Cottage
This Trade Street business creates home and body products + fragrances. Owner Megan “wanted to create a line of products that invoked the nostalgia of my childhood and experiences as an adult who’s lived in four different American southern regions.” We’ll light a candle to that.
Monograms, Etc.
If you’re seeking monogrammed home goods — from kitchen towels to bedding — this is the spot to get them. The company started in 2012 in the basement of the owner’s mother’s house.
This is just a sampling of products made in Winston-Salem. If we missed your favorite, drop us a line — the more, the merrier.
