Meet Linnaea Mendoza of Salsitas Mendoza

Today we’d like to introduce you to Linnaea Mendoza. 

Hi Linnaea, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Salsitas Mendoza was created in 2011 out of both passion and necessity. Founded by Sergio and Linnaea Mendoza of Sandy Utah, Salsitas Mendoza is quickly becoming a household name. During the 2008 Great Recession, Co-founder Sergio Mendoza found himself without work and in need of extra cash. Linnaea, a medical assistant at the time, turned to making salsas to gift friends and family for Christmas. The salsas were a hit! Before they knew it people were asking for more. Linnaea and Sergio signed up for a small outdoor market to see if people would buy their family’s salsas. They were pleased to see such strong community support. They sold out on the first day. Soon they were signing up for farmers’ markets across the valley. As popularity grew so did their line of delicious products. Today the line of 16 different salsas, chips, and cooking sauces are available in over 40 grocery stores as well as mercantile across our great state. They are so proud to be an active contributor to our local economy and Farmers in Utah! With the support of the community, Salsitas Mendoza will continue to provide high-quality Authentic Mexican salsas and sauces to dinner tables across the United States for many years to come! 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
No! lol We started this company after the great recession. Sergio, who was a finish carpenter had been laid off numerous times and we were about to lose our house. Because of falling behind on payments, we did not have the credit we needed to provide our small company with working capitol. Sergio and I saved and reinvested every penny we made for years and years. It was all worth it though because We are one of very few local businesses who still own 100% of our company no loans or investors after 10 years. 

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Mission statement: 

Salsitas Mendoza was founded in 2011 with the goal of providing families with a delicious selection of authentic Mexican cooking sauces and salsas! The key to truly amazing, homemade Mexican cuisine is using only the freshest, whole, natural ingredients. Salsitas Mendoza has a profound respect for local Farmers as well as helping our local economy. During Utah’s harvest season we partner with local farmers to provide our customers with produce harvested at its peak for both freshness and flavor! This partnership provides our customers with the highest quality home style, Mexican food on the market as well as a sizable economic boost to Utah’s Agricultural businesses. Next time you are enjoying a bottle of Salsitas Mendoza salsa with your family please know, we are both honored and humbled by the opportunity we have to serve our community! 

This is our mission statement. We are adamant supporters of local business and local agriculture. We are well known for our partnerships with local farmers. Our vegetables are sourced from Utah August through October. We are particularly proud of the authentic homestyle Mexican flavors we have been able to share with the community. We LOVE the farmer’s market. The markets provide us with the opportunity to meet our customers face to face. We get to know them and their families and in turn, they get to know ours. We donate all fresh salsa not sold at the market to the food rescue in hopes that it goes to someone in need and of course, does not go to waste. 

Our products: 

“Salsa” is the Spanish word for “sauces”. Salsa as a blend of tomatoes and peppers used as a condiment originates from the Mayan, Aztecs, and Incas. Salsitas Mendoza founder Sergio Mendoza is from Mexico and has brought the amazing flavors of his culture to Utah for everyone to enjoy. We start by selecting the highest quality fresh produce! Next, we roast our veggies to perfection over fire to create the perfect smoky flavor. Once roasted we add fresh peppers, cilantro, and garlic and blend until thick and smooth. Our salsa and sauces are used to create so many delicious and authentic Mexican dishes, Salsitas Mendoza Product line includes: 

Mild, Med, Hot roasted tomato salsas 

Green tomatillo salsa – medium heat 

Red tomatillo salsa – medium heat 

Taco sauce – medium heat 

Red Chile sauce – Mild 

Green enchilada sauce – Mild 

Hell fire hot sauce 

Pico De Gallo 

Mango salsa 

Cran-mango salsa 

Guacamole 

Bandera salsa 

Handmade tortilla chips 

The thing that sets apart from others is our dedication to amazing food, local business, farmers, community, and family. These are things we hold closest to our hearts. 

What makes you happy?
Watching people enjoy the food we create is an amazing feeling. When our customers come back with their families and friends just to share with them our product it makes our hearts swell. When people are enjoying their food, they do a little dance. That might be the best part. 

Why is harder to articulate. We work so very hard. We are a small family-owned business. We truly care about our customers and when they are happy with the result it makes us so happy. It gives us the fuel we need to keep pushing forward. 

Pricing:

• salsas $6
• small chip $4
• large chip $6
• hot sauce $4
• case price $60

Contact Info:

• Email: Linnaea@salsitasmendoza.com
• Website: salsitasmendoza.com
• Instagram: salsitas_mendoza
• Facebook: salsitasmendoza123

Image Credits
Nostalgic productions