Walk into almost any Maryland crab house and you will see the blue-and-yellow tin. Old Bay is among the state’s most recognizable foods, and its story starts in Baltimore.
Who created Old Bay?
Old Bay was created by Gustav Brunn, a Jewish immigrant who came to the United States after fleeing Nazi Germany. In 1939 he started the Baltimore Spice Company after settling in the city with his family.
Where did he work?
Brunn’s shop was at 26 Market Place, directly across from Baltimore’s wholesale fish market. He was inspired by crab steamers to create a seasoning for them.
How did it get its name?
The product was first marketed as Delicious Brand Shrimp and Crab Seasoning. In 1940 he changed the name to Old Bay Seasoning, inspired by the Old Bay Line, a passenger steamship line that operated between the Chesapeake Bay and Norfolk, Virginia.
Who owns Old Bay now?
In 1990, McCormick & Company, a global spice and seasoning company, bought Old Bay. That expanded its reach across the country and internationally.
Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1939 | Gustav Brunn starts the Baltimore Spice Company |
| 1940 | Product renamed Old Bay Seasoning |
| 1990 | McCormick & Company purchases Old Bay |
Why is it so tied to Maryland?
Old Bay was made for steamed crabs, and crabs are central to the state’s food culture. If you are interested in the crabbing season and the science behind it, see our guide to Maryland’s blue crab season and the winter dredge survey. Another piece of Baltimore food history is Lexington Market.
This article is a general history based on published accounts. Company details and product information change, so check the manufacturer for current information.
Sources: Baltimore Heritage; Wikipedia; McCormick & Company
