Our Story
Louis Ruiz and son, Fred Ruiz, started Ruiz Foods in 1964.
"I have a lot of pride in who we are, in what we do, and in how we remain committed to providing our customers with quality foods that offer value and convenience," shares Bryce Ruiz, President and CEO. "It is the Ruiz Family legacy... born by our grandfather, Louis Ruiz, and nurtured by Fred, our dad, that is now embraced by the third generation of the Ruiz family."
1964
Ruiz Foods was born from a humble dream... an American dream... to sell frozen Mexican foods based on the family recipes of Grandma Rosie – Fred's mother. The company started in California's Central San Joaquin Valley where authentic burritos, enchiladas, and tamales were sold to local 'mom and pop' grocery stores.
Out of this story of determination came the El Monterey brand of frozen Mexican food, now in nearly every major grocery store across the nation. But this was only just beginning.
Fred Ruiz gets some recipe tips from his mother, Rosie.
Today
The Ruiz family of employees is now over 2,500 in three facilities, all dedicated to making sure Ruiz Foods continues to deliver on its legacy to provide quality, affordable, and delicious foods.
Mexican food lovers can enjoy a wide range of offerings from the signature El Monterey brand – consistently named America's #1 frozen Mexican food. Selections include taquitos, burritos, tamales, enchiladas, quesadillas, chimichangas... and more... each perfect for snacks, entertaining, or a quick meal.
Throughout the years, Ruiz Foods has been honored by many local, regional and national organizations. In 1983, Fred and his father received the United States Small Business Persons of the Year Award presented by President Ronald Reagan in the Rose Garden of the White House. Then, in 1992, the company was inducted into the United States Small Business Administration's Hall of Fame in Washington, D.C. President Bush visited the California facility in 2003 and, later than year, El Monterey Burritos were featured on the Food Network's hit show "Unwrapped". Since that first "Unwrapped" debut, El Monterey Taquitos, Tamales and, most recently, Ruiz Foods' second brand, "Tornados", have been featured on the popular program.
Yes, the Ruiz family legacy was born from a simple idea... but a simple idea with a promise. "A promise that, today," explains Bryce Ruiz, "remains at the forefront of everything we do and every product we make. At Ruiz Foods we promise to make great food that meets our consumers' demand for quality and value."
Ruiz Foods Headquarters, Dinuba, CA
“From all of us at Ruiz Foods, thank you for buying El Monterey burritos, taquitos, and other Mexican-inspired recipes, and sharing them with your family.”
De nuestra familia para su familia,
Left to right: Bryce Ruiz, Fred Ruiz, Kim Ruiz Beck.