Fort Worth‑born O.B. Macaroni Co., a staple of Texas kitchens since 1899, was sold Thursday to the McLane Group, a private company headquartered in Temple. The transaction brings the state’s oldest pasta manufacturer under the umbrella of one of the world’s largest food distributors.
What the sale includes
The acquisition covers O.B. Macaroni’s historic operations as well as the Q&Q Pasta brand, which was founded in 1910 under the name Quality and Quantity Pasta. Q&Q’s vermicelli is a common ingredient for fideo, a beloved Mexican noodle dish, and the brand is stocked in major grocers such as H‑E‑B and Kroger.
Statements from the new owners
McLane Group issued a statement saying it is “excited about the opportunities ahead and looks forward to carrying these Texas brands into their next chapter.” Frank J. Case III, president of Q&Q Pasta, added that the new owners will “maintain the quality of the pasta products” and that the group intends to “respect what has made O.B. Macaroni and Q&Q special for so many years and remain true to their roots as we look toward the future.”
Preserving a local legacy
For 115 years O.B. Macaroni operated out of a renovated stagecoach hotel at 108 South Freeway near downtown Fort Worth. The company moved in 2015 to a modern facility that complements its production sites in Austin and LaPlace, Louisiana. The historic building has since been repurposed for local food suppliers and a wedding venue, keeping the landmark active in the community.
About McLane Group
Founded in 1992 by Drayton McLane Jr., former owner of the Houston Astros, McLane Group grew out of the former McLane Company Inc., which was sold to Walmart in 1990 and later became a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary. Today the group operates a portfolio that includes international food distribution, IT services, software development, and high‑school and college sports media. Its McLane Classic Foods division in Burleson produces kettle‑cooked foods for restaurant partners.
Local impact
Officials from both companies emphasized a commitment to preserving the quality and heritage of the pasta brands that have served Texas families for more than a century. The sale is expected to keep jobs at the Fort Worth and Austin facilities while potentially expanding distribution through McLane’s extensive network.
Eric E. Garcia contributed reporting for the Fort Worth Report.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
