WRITTEN BY CAITLIN M. DEWICKI
Photo by CR Productions
A vibrant neighborhood in Detroit, Michigan is home to Hacienda Mexican Foods. Their bustling factory is where the art of crafting authentic tortillas and tortilla chips comes to life every day. Established in 1994 by Lydia Gutierrez’s late husband Richard, this business grew into a cornerstone the community can rely on.
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Hacienda Mexican Foods has always stayed true to its mission of providing high-quality products that not only satisfy its customers but also contribute to the thriving environment of the neighborhood they proudly call home. Their rich history, exceptional product offerings, and unwavering community support are the unique aspects that set Hacienda Mexican Foods apart.
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“We’re still a growing company, but we’re a humble growing company.”
The Gutierrez Way
The family’s tradition of making tortillas the artisan way began with Richard’s grandfather. Since then it has been passed down four generations, growing from only 8 to now over 50 employees.
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The powerhouse that is Hacienda workers never strays from their mission. Lydia Gutierrez comments on how each employee takes pride in their work, whether it's the office workers, the factory workers, or Gutierrez herself on the production floor checking quality daily.
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What truly sets Hacienda apart is their unwavering dedication to tradition. They are not seeking to imitate other products, but to continue the tradition and care for the community with fresh foods simply-made, the Gutierrez way.
Authentic Artisan Made
Gutierrez not only takes pride in her employees, but also in their products. The laborious process of crafting their tortillas and tortilla chips is nothing short of an art form.
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This process is considered artisanal because while the corn is cooking it’s stirred by hand. Alongside that workers must be cognizant of changing nature around them. Corn cannot be cooked at the same temperature in the summer as it is in the winter months. This process along with their simple recipe of only 3 ingredients (stone ground corn, oil, and salt) ensures their product is unmatched.
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Hacienda Mexican Foods is the parent company of their brands 313 Urban Chips and Hacienda Authentic. Within their line of 313 Urban, there are flour and corn tortillas of various sizes, catering to a wide range of culinary needs.
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Their 313 Urban Chips are available in either Salted or Chili-Lime.
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Hacienda Authentic has a lineup of chips like Blue Corn, No Salt, Organic, Salted, and Chili-Lime.
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These products are free from Dairy, Trans Fat, Soy, Sugar, Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Animal By-Products, Cholesterol, and Palm Oil. All products are also plant-based, devoid of preservatives, and offer a healthier snacking choice, great for families.
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“We’re really embedded in our community.”
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Detroit DNA
Being an integral part of the Detroit community is deeply ingrained in Hacienda’s DNA. They actively participate in local events, serve on boards, and mentor their employees. Hacienda takes pride in being an economic engine for their neighborhood. Creating more jobs in the community allows those workers the opportunity to thrive and give back to other local businesses in return. Gutierrez states how important it is to “care about the people that work here and live here”.
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Supporting local suppliers is also a major necessity for Gutierrez. The company does its best to purchase all packaging supplies and any other materials straight from local suppliers. Their commitment to the community is reflected in the support from those directly involved as well as from their customers.
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Whether it’s being featured in a news story or receiving voicemails from customers with a review of their chips, the local community continues to support Hacienda's endeavors. Their unwavering commitment to crafting authentic, high-quality products while contributing to the growth of the community makes them a true leader in the industry.
“We love our customers, thank you for purchasing our products.”
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Hacienda Mexican Foods is more than just a food manufacturer. This company is a symbol of tradition, dedication, and community spirit. Every purchase of a Hacienda product not only helps the company grow but also puts people to work and supports community initiatives. Purchasing Hacienda’s tortillas or chips means savoring tradition while also contributing to a legacy of community support.
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You can find Hacienda Mexican Food products at Woodward Corner Market!