Fit for royalty
Tabasco sauce remains a firm favorite in kitchens across the world, and it received the royal seal of approval when the McIlhenny Company was given an official warrant assigning it an official supplier to the British royal household.
Despite its enduring popularity, Simmons say he's surprised by the amount of people who think they haven't tasted the condiment before.
"You know, a lot of times people say, 'Oh Tony, I know who you are and what your product is, Tabasco, but I've never had it. I don't use hot food.'
"And I always ask them the same question: 'Do you go out to dinner? You have no idea how much Tabasco you consume,'" he says.
The McIlhenny Company Tabasco plant is open to the public, and visitors can take a guided or self-guided tour of the factory, which has an on-site museum.
Avery Island's other main attraction is Jungle Gardens, a 170-acre botanical garden with a bird sanctuary as well as a range of exotic plants.