HISPANIC FOOD BRIEFS

In a recent first quarter earnings release, West Coast restaurant operatorReal Mex, Cypress, Calif., noted that -- although restaurant sales are down -- the company is continuing to expand its manufacturing throughReal Mex Foods Inc., a Buena Park, Calif., subsidiary that  makes branded products for itself and other brands. In the first quarter, the Real Mex Foods introduced El Torito-branded grocery products in Costco stores. Real Mex Foods has a prepared foods processing plant in Vernon, Calif.

The operation produces refrigerated and frozen salsas and sauces, side dishes and various entrees (including burritos and tamales). Real Mex Foods says it supplies more than 200 customers throughout California, Arizona, and Oregon including Acapulco Restaurants, El Torito, Chevys, CKE Restaurants, Disneyland (California), DPI, El Gallo Giro, Ralph’s Grocery, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Sysco Distributions, SYGMA, US Foodservice, and the U.S. Navy, among others.

Its parent, Real Mex, operates 178 restaurants under the El Torito, Chevys Fresh Mex and Acapulco Mexican Restaurants Y Cantina brands.



Bueno Foods, Albuquerque, N.M., said it is celebrating its 60-year anniversary. What began as a small family-owned grocery store in the South Valley of Albuquerque has grown to become a leading Southwest provider of  New Mexican foods, officials say. Now leading the business are second generation family members Jacqueline Baca, president, and Gene Baca, senior vice president. 

Bueno Foods employs about 205 people year-round and up to 350 people during peak season. Officials said they are planning four programs -- involving the local environment, culture, literacy and education, and community -- to celebrate Bueno Foods' anniversary.

In addition to New Mexico flame roasted fresh frozen green chile, Bueno Foods' products include red chile, flour and corn tortillas, salsas and sauces, ready-to-serve prepared frozen entrees products and a line of natural and organic products sold under our BUENATURAL® label.