Our Story

Cavender's was founded in 1965, in the small east Texas town of Pittsburg. James and Pat Cavender were entrepreneurs who dabbled in several ventures before opening a clothing business. James had a sharp wit, boundless energy, and he found the perfect combination for his skills, personality and experiences serving customers a quality product at a fair price. As a country boy in a small Texas town, it was only natural to carry cowboy boots. Cavender's started with 3 styles of Tony Lama boots. They sold well, and so James bought more. It was just the beginning for this family company that would go on to sell millions of pairs of boots and become the fastest growing Western wear chain in America.

Whether it was buying (and reselling, of course) a cattle trailer load of boots from a manufacturer going out of business in the 1970s, riding the high of the Urban Cowboy craze in the 1980s, surviving—and in fact thriving—in its decline, or partnering with another up-and-coming Texas icon, George Strait, Cavender's has always had a knack for being in the right place at the right time. But more than that, Cavender's has thrived based on its half-century plus commitment to the customer by providing the best products at affordable prices with excellent customer service.

As much as growth is a central part of Cavender's, the people running it still acknowledge their roots in quality products and customer service. Step into any Cavender's and not only will you see pictures of James, Pat, Joe, Mike, Clay, and their families, you'll also see grainy black and whites of their grandparents on the old ranches in Albany, Texas and Idabel, Oklahoma.

Cavender's has been named the nation's top retailer for many prestigious companies such as Lucchese, Justin, Tony Lama, Laredo, Nocona, Rocky Mountain and Wrangler. In 2019, the Cavender Family was inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.

Today, Cavender's has established itself as the premier Western clothing store for the American South and Southwest. Cavender's remains a family business, run by James and Pat's sons, Joe, Mike and Clay, who oversee the growth, development and day-to-day operations. Boots are the roots for Cavender's and the Cavender family wanted to share their love of the western lifestyle with others. Cavender's continuously seeks the best in design, style and authentic western craftsmanship for our customers. At Cavender's you can expect to find just what you're looking for from friendly folks offering a helping hand because "This is How We Live".


OUR HISTORY

  • Cavender's 1957
     

    1957

    James R. Cavender opened a burger joint in Pittsburg, Texas called Dairy Hart.

  • Cavender's 1965
     

    1965

    After eight years in food service, James expanded his business interests into retail. He opened a western wear store with just three styles of Tony Lama boots.

  • Cavender's 1977
     

    1977

    James bought 7,500 boots from the liquidating Hyer Boot Company in Olathe, Kansas. The Tyler, Texas store was opened to accommodate the inventory.

  • Cavender's 1986
     

    1986

    Cavender's has 12 locations throughout North and East Texas.

  • Cavender's 1987
     

    1987

    Joe, Mike and James Cavender at a meet & greet with George Strait at the Cavender’s Hurst, Texas store.

  • Cavender's 1994
     

    1994

    James and Pat's eldest son Joe Cavender takes the reins as the president of the company.

  • Cavender's 1995
     

    1995

    The Cavender family celebrates the 30th anniversary of Cavender's Boot City, now up to 31 stores throughout Texas.

  • Cavender's 2001
     

    2001

    Cavender’s now offers online shopping at Cavenders.com.

  • Cavender's 2003
     

    2003

    Cavender's opens stores in Arkansas and Oklahoma, venturing outside of Texas. The store count is now up to 42 with approximately 800 employees.

  • Cavender's 2012
     

    2012

    The Cavenders comes together for a family photo at their Neches River Ranch in Jacksonville, TX.

  • Cavender's 2015
     

    2015

    Cavender's celebrates 50 years in the western retail business and now has 70 stores across 8 states.

  • Cavender's 2015
     

    2015

    Jacqueline Cavender releases her new cookbook As the Spur Stirs, benefiting the American Cancer Society and Cystic Fibrosis research.

  • Cavender's 2015
     

    2015

    The Rafter C brand launches with shirts designed by Clay Cavender. In the same year, Cavender's teams up with Old Gringo Boots and introduces the Cavender's Boot Collection.

  • Cavender's 2016
     

    2016

    Cavender’s partners with Luskey’s/ Ryon’s to become Cavender’s Stock Yards Outfitter in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards.

  • Cavender's 2017
     

    2017

    Cavender's now has 78 stores in 10 states with over 1,800 associates.

  • Cavender's 2018
     

    2018

    We mourn the loss of founder, James R. Cavender (March 22, 1931-May 29, 2018).

    He was a pioneer in the industry and a friend to us all. His work ethic has been engrained into the heart of Cavender’s as a company and as a family. We continue to honor his legacy.

  • Cavender's 2019
     

    2019

    A year of recognition – the Cavender family receives two prestigious honors by being inducted into both the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame.

  • Cavender's 2019
     

    2019

    We mourn the loss of founder, Patricia “Pat” Cavender (August 5, 1932 – July 31, 2019).

    Pat Cavender was a loving and hard-working wife, mother and grandmother who always put others first. She traveled the country decorating the Cavender’s stores for many years. She was known for her giving nature, her art, her design and decorating ability, the delicious feasts she served, as well as her quick wit and wry sense of humor.

  • Cavender's 2020

    2020

    The state of Georgia welcomes Cavender's as three Horsetown stores become Cavender's Horsetown.

  • Cavender's 2020
     

    2020

    Cavender's new office opens in Tyler, TX while stores remain open as providers of essential work wear during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Cavender's 2021
     

    2021

    Cavender's launches the Rockin' C brand of ladies' wear designed to honor our western heritage with timeless pieces.

  • Cavender's 2021
     

    2021

    Cavender's expands with another family owned western wear retailer – PFI Western in Springfield, MO.

  • Cavender's 2023
     

    2023

    The Cavender family receives the Texas Historical Foundation Star of Texas Award presented by Governor Greg Abbott.