Pantry · Santa Rosa, California
La Tortilla Factory
A Santa Rosa family tortilla maker that grew from a small taqueria.
- Founded
- 1977
- Founded by
- Jose Tamayo, Mary Tamayo
- Based in
- Santa Rosa, California
Making it since
1977
Their story
La Tortilla Factory started in February 1977, when Jose and Mary Tamayo opened what they called a "Mexicatessen" on Dutton Avenue in Santa Rosa. Out front they served tacos and burritos and sold chilies and spices. In the back, a tortilla machine turned out fresh corn tortillas every day.
Local grocers soon wanted those tortillas, and by the early 1980s they were reaching Marin, Lake and Mendocino counties. Jose and Mary retired in 1989 and handed the business to their sons, who closed the deli to focus on tortillas full time.
The company has stayed in Santa Rosa ever since, opening a large plant there in 2004. Along the way it introduced one of the first low carb tortillas, plus organic, gluten-free and grain-free options.
How it's made
Tortillas are baked in Santa Rosa, from traditional corn and flour styles to whole wheat, teff and cauliflower versions. The company dropped hydrogenated oils and high fructose corn syrup in 2001, and its organic corn tortillas are certified organic and Non-GMO Project verified.
Why we carry them
We like having a Sonoma County tortilla on the shelf, with options for nearly every diet and a family story that started just up the road.
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