So how in tarnation does a spicy red pepper sauce from North Carolina end up with the name ‘Texas Pete’?” Well, the story goes like this: Sam Garner and his three sons Thad, Ralph, and Harold—were ponderin’ what they should name their new fiery sauce. A marketer suggested callin’ it “Mexican Joe,” Sam insisted “It’s gotta be an American name! Sam figured Texas was known for spice and looked at his son Harold whose nickname was Pete, and well the rest is history!