Rooted in Tradition. Crafted for Today.
At El Ranchava®, we believe that food is more than just what’s on the plate—it’s where memories live, and family stories are passed from one generation to the next. Our journey began over fifty years ago, in 1970, when Salvador “Chava” Hernandez set out with a single, heartfelt goal: to bring the taste of home—of Jalisco, Mexico—to the people of Chicago through his family’s authentic recipe for tortilla chips. His dream was simple: make something honest, flavorful, and true.
A Legacy of Authentic Flavor
From day one, we’ve held fast to natural ingredients and time-honored techniques. Our recipes don’t cut corners—and neither do the senses. Every chip is built on the foundation of carefully milled corn, just the right touch of salt, and the crackle of perfect frying. These are flavors that take you back; flavors that call you to the table.
As time passed, our community grew. Chicago embraced El Ranchero®—our original name—and our chips became a familiar crunchy companion at family gatherings, summer barbecues, and fiesta-filled evenings. People told us they loved our Chile Lime variety, and it quickly became a favorite. But we didn’t stop there. We asked ourselves: how could we better honor our founder, Chava, and the traditions that shaped us?
Evolving While Staying True
On our 50th anniversary, we made a change—with purpose. We rebranded as El Ranchava®, merging “El Ranchero” with “Chava,” a nod to both the roots of our name and the heart of our founder. It wasn’t just about a new name. It was about a reaffirmation of who we are: a brand that bridges generations, that holds tightly to tradition, yet strides confidently into today.
Under the Authentico Foods umbrella, we continue to bring genuine Mexican flavors—not just snacks, but pieces of culture, handed down through recipes, through family, through every crunch. Because food isn’t just what we eat. It’s how we remember. It’s how we celebrate. It’s how we connect.
More Than Chips—A Familia
We believe in the power of community and shared experiences. When we say our chips are “made to be shared, dipped, and savored,” that’s not marketing speak—it’s a promise. Whether it’s grandma’s salsa, cousins swapping stories around the table, friends gathering for game night, or someone reaching for their favorite snack as they unwind—El Ranchava® is there for those moments.
Our mission is not only to deliver authentic Mexican flavor but also to honor the warmth, love, and togetherness found in abuelita’s kitchen. That’s the heart of what we do. We are proud to be part of your table, your traditions, your stories.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, we remain rooted to the values Chava instilled in us: authenticity, family, quality. We’ll continue experimenting with flavors, ensuring our ingredients are naturally sourced, and preserving the craft that has made our chips more than just a snack—they’re a tradition. We invite you to taste with us, share with us, and carry forward the richness of Mexican culture in every chip.