Roots Run Deep.
From a family kitchen in St. Louis to tables across the nation. This is the story of Andy's Seasoning.
It Started in the Basement.
Andy’s Seasoning began in 1981 in the basement kitchen of Reuben “Andy” Anderson and his wife Katherine in North St. Louis. Reuben’s love of cooking led to a barbecue sauce that was an instant hit at family cookouts and work events.
Urged by friends to "put this on the market," the couple approached local grocers. This early period established our core identity: a grassroots, family‑run venture founded on homemade recipes, face‑to‑face selling, and deep community ties.
"From our family to yours."
From Sauce to Breading
The turning point provided by serendipity: Reuben’s brother, German Anderson, tasted Katherine’s homemade fish breading and insisted it belonged on shelves.
In 1983, the Yellow Fish Breading—based on Katherine’s recipe for Friday night fish fries—was introduced. It quickly became a favorite.
By 1990, the company pivoted entirely to dry blends. What started as four core products expanded to over eleven SKUs, including our famous Mild Chicken Breading and Seasoned Salt.
Resilience in Growth
Planting Roots
Moving from rented space to purchasing our own 13,500 sq. ft. facility at 2829 Chouteau Avenue. We've been here ever since, expanding to over 25,000 sq. ft. with a dedicated R&D lab in 2006.
Katherine's Lead
After Reuben "Andy" Anderson's sudden passing, Katherine Anderson didn't sell. She retired from her city job, went to business school, and took the helm—quadrupling revenue and cementing the legacy.
The Next Generation
Leadership transitioned to son Larry W. Lee, who promised employees: "Andy's will bless them as Andy's is blessed." The family legacy continued unbroken.
Innovation & Renovation
"We believe in honoring our roots while embracing the future."
Today, Larry W. Lee serves as President and CEO, continuing the culture of stewardship. He leads the company alongside his nephews, ensuring the Anderson-Lee family legacy thrives in every generation.
As a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), we stand as a testament to Black entrepreneurship in St. Louis. We don't just sell seasoning; we build community—supporting the United Way, UNCF, and local parishes.
From supplying custom formulations for McDonald’s chicken nuggets in the South to filling pantry shelves across 41 states, Andy's Seasoning focuses on one thing: consistent, down-home flavor.
Taste the Tradition
Whether it's the original Yellow Fish Breading or our flaming hot blends, every bag carries the legacy of the Anderson family basement.