During the holiday season, the aroma of freshly wrapped tamales brings families together across Texas. Tamale Addiction, a 16-year-old business based in Manor, has become a local favorite, but recent economic pressures have tested its resilience.
Business Facing Tariffs
Like many small businesses in Central Texas, Tamale Addiction has had to adjust to lingering tariffs. Owner Adrian Paredes said these last two years have been hard. “We’ve been trying to deal with it. Unfortunately we had to lay off some of our wonderful cooks and try to be a little bit more financially disciplined, and that’s the way we’re trying to keep it alive,” he said.
Behind the Scenes
The company gave reporters a behind-the-scenes look at its tamale-making process on Monday. The team visits 10-12 farmers markets depending on the season and offers catering services across Austin.
- 10-12 farmers markets per season
- Seasonal variation in market visits
- Catering across the city
Photojournalist Frank Martinez contributed to this report.
Key Takeaways
- Tamale Addiction has operated for 16 years, headquartered in Manor.
- Tariffs forced layoffs and tighter financial discipline.
- The business continues to supply 10-12 farmers markets and cater throughout Austin.
Tamale Addiction’s story illustrates how a cherished local tradition can endure economic challenges while continuing to serve its community.
