History of El Popular

Long before founding El Popular in 1925, Vicente Garza stands proudly in front of his storefront in Monterrey, Mexico, surrounded by over 100 children. This rare photo captures his early role as a community figure — a man rooted in family, faith, and service, even before his journey as an entrepreneur began.

Taken in the early 1920’s while Vicente Garza was employed at the First National Bank of East Chicago, this portrait marks the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey. Several years later, he was able to fund his dream of starting a Mexican food manufacturing business in East Chicago, Indiana — planting the seeds for a lasting family legacy built on tradition and authenticity.

El Popular employees gather proudly in front of the company’s vintage Model T, ready to represent the Mexican food company in East Chicago, Indiana’s Mexican Independence Day Parade — celebrating culture, community, and tradition.

Vicente Garza poses proudly on horseback – a hobby he deeply enjoyed. This image captures his love for tradition, the outdoors.

At just five years old, Richard Garza is photographed in a traditional charro outfit — a charming glimpse into his early connection to Mexican heritage, culture, and the family values that would one day guide him as a leader of El Popular.

Vicente Garza poses with three of his children in front of his original East Chicago, Indiana storefront.

Founder Vicente Garza prepares the traditional Mole & Chicken recipe created by his mother and now passed down through generations.

As president of the Chicago Mexican Chamber of Commerce, Vicente remained deeply committed to both his community and his family. In this photo, he stands proudly with his four sons Richard, Vincent, Jesse, and Arthur. Together, they laid the foundation for El Popular, building a legacy rooted in tradition, hard work, and family

Vicente Garza stands in front of a scale, carefully preparing an order for a customer – a glimpse into the early days of El Popular, where pride in every product laid the foundation for a lasting legacy.

An early El Popular delivery van serves as the backdrop as four young girls sit on its
running board – a nostalgic glimpse into the family’s everyday life and the strong ties between work, home, and heritage that have always defined the spirit of the company.

Founder Vicente Garza stands with his three sons, who worked alongside him to grow El Popular from a small family business into a trusted name in authentic Mexican foods – a legacy built on hard work and tradition.

A 1981 portrait of Richard Garza, marking his role as sole owner of El Popular. With determination and vision, he guided the company into a new era – honoring his father Vicente’s and his brother’s legacy while expanding the family business.

Richard Garza, his wife Connie, and their son Edward pose in front of the El Popular booth at the National Restaurant Association Show – a moment that reflects their shared commitment to quality, tradition, and the continued growth of their family-owned business.

Richard Garza, second-generation of El Popular, carefully reviews and inspects a batch of spices – the heart of the family’s secret chorizo recipe. His hands-on approach and unwavering commitment to quality have shaped the legacy of excellence that continues to define the brand today.

Careful production inspection and uncompromising quality control are the processes that have driven El Popular to become a leading chorizo brand in the United States.

Lead staff members preparing for the annual Safe Quality Food (SQF) global food safety audit, reinforcing El Popular’s commitment to quality and compliance.

Members of the El Popular team gather for a group photo, reflecting the people behind the company’s success.

The El Popular team celebrates a prestigious NWI Times award honoring the company’s 100 year legacy as the oldest Mexican business in the United States.