OUR STORY

BORN OUT OF BRINGING OUR CULTURE TO OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH TRADITIONAL COOKING METHODS AND FRESH LOCAL INGREDIENTS

Honoring Our Heritage

Our founder Nikki Guerrero grew up knowing food and family were one and the same. From fresh salsas to homemade tortillas, the Guerrero’s family recipes were passed down as heirlooms from one generation to the next.

After moving to Portland in 1999 and missing the flavors of home, Nikki launched one of the city’s first fresh salsa companies and the rest is history. Over the years, we’ve expanded our line to include hot sauces, chili oils, and tortilla chips — all while continuing to honor the legacy and traditions of Nikki’s grandmother.

Full of Flavor

Our passion for peppers is why everything we make tastes so good. We research the origins, traditional uses, and histories of each and every pepper we source — resulting in recipes and cooking methods that showcase their rich and expansive
flavors.

 We locally source our ingredients and collaborate with our farmers to help build a more sustainable local food system. These partnerships allow us to use the freshest ingredients, grow special chili varieties, and keep everything handmade and small batch.

For Our Community

We’re writing a new story for what a food business can be. After growing Hot Mama Salsa into a mainstay for Portland’s farmers markets and specialty grocery stores, our recent acquisition of an abandoned food production space will enable us to grow both our business and others.By repairing and revitalizing this facility, we’ve been given the opportunity to give back to the community that’s given us so much love. Our plan is to help small businesses through co-manufacturing that expands their own product lines and pursuits.