Veronica Moreno’s journey from a small town near the Mexico–Texas border to founding one of the largest family-owned tortilla companies in the U.S. is nothing short of inspirational.
She moved to Houston, Texas, with her husband, Eduardo, who worked as a painting contractor. Later, Eduardo relocated to the Atlanta area and Veronica would send tortillas to him, which he shared with his coworkers. Realizing the high demand for authentic tortillas in the area, Veronica told him, “I am going to have my own tortilleria.” She saw an opportunity to bring authentic tortillas to the Hispanic community in Atlanta and the Gateway85 CID area and embraced it.
When Veronica joined Eduardo in Atlanta in the 1990s, she started with a small machine, producing nine cases of tortillas per hour. She began selling her tortillas at a local church and soon expanded to small stores in the area. Today, Olé Mexican Foods produces millions of tortillas, cheeses, creams, chorizo and more, distributing products nationwide in major chain stores and other retailers. Headquartered in Gateway85 CID, Olé Mexican Foods operates multiple manufacturing facilities across Georgia and in other states, including Tennessee and Texas .
Influenced by the Mexican culture of family orientation, Olé Mexican Foods remains family-owned and operated. The company has introduced authentic Mexican cuisine to many Americans, offering a taste of the culture they might not have otherwise experienced. Veronica’s husband, Eduardo, and their two sons, Eduardo Jr. and Edgar, hold major roles within the company. Family values are central to Veronica, who feels fortunate to work alongside her family and see all they have achieved together.
Veronica’s journey to success hasn’t been without challenges. When she first arrived in the U.S., she didn’t speak English. However, taking her mother’s advice, she embraced American culture and worked hard to learn the language while building her business. “My mother told me, ‘You have to learn their culture and adapt, because your country, Mexico, lives in your heart, but you have to accept the culture in the U.S.’”
Olé Foods actively gives back to the community, supporting several organizations, including the Gwinnett Food Bank, St. Jude, Neighborhood Food Association, Olive Crest Food Industry Fair in California and Boys and Girls Clubs across the U.S. They also provide scholarships for employees’ children and have a loyalty program to honor employees with years of dedicated service, some of whom have been with the company for more than 30 years.
For Veronica, the key to success is hard work and seizing opportunities. She is grateful for the values and opportunities that America has provided her. “This country offers a lot to any person who wants to be successful. It takes hard work, creativity and seeing the opportunities in front of you,” she says. “Gwinnett gave me the opportunity to accomplish my dream.” With hard work, resilience and family support, Veronica Moreno is living her American Dream.
