EL CAMPO REFRIGERATION | EST. 1968

A Legacy Built on Reliability.

What began as a local vision in 1968 has evolved into a third-generation national authority. We combine over 5 decades of family heritage with the technical scale to power the country’s largest operations.

Trusted for 58+ Years

Three Generations. One Promise.

Built on decades of industry-leading expertise.

J.W. Kennedy, the owner of the RC Bottling Company, recognized that his customers needed more than just great beverages — they needed better, higher-quality cooling solutions to protect their products. Rather than send them elsewhere, J.W. did what entrepreneurs do: he solved the problem himself. He established El Campo Cooler Co., and a legacy was born.

In 1974, J.W. brought his son, Gene Michael “Mike” Kennedy, into the business. Together, they steadily expanded the company’s reach and capabilities, growing from a local cooler operation into a full-service commercial refrigeration and equipment company. By 1987, Mike incorporated the business as El Campo Refrigeration & Restaurant Supply, Inc. — setting the stage for the rapid growth and expanding service area that defined the 1990s and beyond.

The Kennedy family didn’t stop there. In 2012, the third generation of Kennedys joined the leadership team, bringing fresh energy and modern expertise while staying true to the founding principles that built the company’s reputation: hard work, technical mastery, and putting the customer first.

Over five decades later, those values haven’t changed one bit.

Where We Are Today

Today, El Campo Refrigeration is one of South and Central Texas’ most trusted commercial equipment dealers and installation specialists. Led by Michael Kennedy, alongside Mike and Laneil Kennedy, our team brings together generations of hands-on experience with the resources and brand relationships to serve businesses of every size — from a single-location restaurant to a large institutional cafeteria.

Our Promise to You

A lot has changed since J.W. Kennedy opened his cooler company back in 1968. The equipment is more advanced, the service area is larger, and the product lineup has grown enormously. But the one thing that hasn’t changed — and never will — is our commitment to doing right by our customers.

When you call El Campo Refrigeration, you’re calling a team that genuinely cares about your business. We’ll give you honest advice, recommend what’s truly right for your operation, show up when we say we will, and stand behind our work long after the job is done.

That’s been our promise for over 58 years. It’s not going to stop now.

Michael Kennedy

Mike Kennedy

Laneil Kennedy

Our Mission

To provide a national standard for refrigeration excellence through professional certification, superior equipment, and a “no-nonsense” approach to customer service.

Who we Are

We are owners, designers, and builders. As a third-generation family enterprise, we combine deep technical heritage with a forward-thinking commitment to modern refrigeration technology and the latest restaurant standards.

Core Values

Our core values are simple: integrity in every handshake, transparency in every quote, and Texas-tough durability in every machine we sell. It’s the foundation of every relationship we build and every project we take on.

Our Leadership.

Personal Service. Professional Standards.

Lisa Krenek

Controller

Jim Obenhaus

Service Manager

Jay Saucedo

E-Commerce / Purchasing Manager

Sandy Gonzalez

AR Manager

Bobby Contreras

Regional Sales

Jackie Tristan

Account Manager

Jamie Till

E-Commerce Sales

Allison Watson

E-Commerce Sales

Debbie Gonzalez

Parts Manager

Lori Sablatura

Warranty Department

Martin Bustamante

Warehouse Manager

Diana Corona

AR Associate

Tammy Simpson

AR Associate

VISIT US IN PERSON

Come See the Machines in Person.

In 2020, we moved into our current 35,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility and showroom, conveniently located on US HWY 59. We believe a major investment deserves a hands-on experience. Our showroom features live Manitowoc ice machines in operation, giving you the unique ability to “touch and feel” the different ice types and hear the machines run before you make a decision.

Corporate Office

25450 US 59 RD, El Campo, TX 77437

Phone

979-543-9039

Business Hours

Monday to Friday 8am-5pm

The Reputation Behind the Machine.

In our business, a handshake still means something. See why the nation’s busiest kitchens and travel centers trust the ECR name to keep them running.

“Our ice machine is in good shape, but it is older and it has not worked at it’s best for some time. When it stopped working completely, we called EC Refrigeration. Tara came out to service the machine, and it is now working better than I can remember it ever working. Appreciate the great service!”

Yvette H.

Eldridge AC & Heat, Inc.

“Michael and the crew are awesome! They got me the exact machine I wanted, helped me with operation and set up, and at the right price! I love my ice machine and it was absolutely worth it!”

Chris R.

“Mike and his family and crew, always provide the best products and service. I have been doing business with his company for over 30 Years.”

Bruce G.

“Now this place cares about service. They want you happy. They are the last of their kind. Great place for big purchases. Seriously, you’ll regret buying from somewhere else. I wish I’d known about them when I got my first house. Go with ECR, trust me you’ll be happy you did.”

Lauren H.

Time to Try the ECR Difference?

Join the thousands of business owners who trust us to help keep their operations running.