Originally based in
New Orleans, Crystal was famous for its lighted sign featuring a chef stirring a pot of hot sauce with steam from the factory venting out through the pot. The sign was a New Orleans landmark on Tulane Avenue in
Mid-City, visible from
Interstate 10. The
preserves advertised on the sign were found in
U.S military rations during
World War II, but are no longer produced.
Hurricane Katrina, which devastated the city in 2005, damaged much of Baumer Foods' New Orleans plant, including the sign. Following the storm, the company moved its plant to
Reserve, in
St. John the Baptist Parish, located up the
Mississippi River from New Orleans. The iconic sign was replicated and placed atop a new apartment building, built on the same site as the old factory. As of April 2021, the company maintains its head office in
Metairie, a suburb of New Orleans. The brand enjoys popularity in
Saudi Arabia, introduced by petroleum workers from Louisiana. == In popular culture ==