Tears of Joy Hot Sauce Shop Closing Its Doors

After nearly 27 years of selling hot sauce on one of Austin's most iconic streets, Tears of Joy Hot Sauce Shop is closing its doors.

The shop began in 1993 as a restaurant called O'Shucks's that sold tamales but switched over to just selling hot sauces in 2003. Hot sauce lovers from all over the world visited the shop that boasts hundreds of brands of hot sauces, salsas and other condiments, and a line of Tears of Joy products.

The coronavirus pandemic had a great impact on the shop's business and owner Brian Rush says it's time to close the doors on the retail store and focus solely on online sales.

"Thank you for keeping us in business for so long," Rush stated in an Instagram video. "Twenty-seven years was a great run. I really appreciate all the support and love over the years. We're sad to leave, but it's time to go.

Rush says that the website is the place to go to order sauces, salsas, and other spicy products and eventually, he hopes to get the brand into grocery stores.

Photo Credit: Getty