On the most recent episode of Women in Motion, Lee Kantor chats with Jane Hartgrove, the driving force behind Tres Picosos, a company that has turned the burrito business into a nationwide success story. Jane shares the fascinating journey of how Tres Picosos grew from a family venture into a major player in the Mexican food industry.
A Humble Beginning
Jane’s journey with Tres Picosos began in 2011 when she acquired the brand from her family’s food production business. Originally, her family was known for producing a variety of foods, including seafood salads and sushi. However, when a retailer needed a reliable source for delicious, authentic burritos, Jane saw an opportunity. Thus, Tres Picosos was born, initially focusing on direct distribution to stores.
Expanding Horizons
As the demand for Tres Picosos grew, so did the company’s ambitions. Jane transitioned from a direct distribution model to partnering with distributors across the U.S. and even Guam. This expansion was driven by the desire to meet the needs of a growing customer base and to make Tres Picosos a household name.
Innovating with Authenticity
Jane’s passion for Mexican cuisine led her to develop two main product lines: Tres Picosos and Naughty Chile Taqueria. Tres Picosos focuses on providing high-quality, ready-to-eat Mexican meals, while Naughty Chile Taqueria caters to food service professionals who want to offer Mexican food with minimal hassle. This model allows retailers to serve authentic Mexican cuisine with ease, removing the labor-intensive processes from their kitchens.
Meeting Customer Needs
Jane emphasizes that Tres Picosos thrives on responding to customer needs. By working closely with clients, the company has introduced new products like quesadilla fillings under the Naughty Chile Taqueria brand. This adaptability has helped Tres Picosos stay ahead in a competitive market.
The Growth of Mexican Cuisine
Mexican food is incredibly popular in the U.S., second only to hamburgers. However, Jane notes that many retailers still underrepresent Mexican cuisine. Tres Picosos aims to fill this gap, expanding its reach into grocery stores, airports, universities, and more.
Embracing the WBEC-West Community
Jane’s involvement with WBEC-West has been a game-changer for Tres Picosos. The certification has opened doors to valuable networking opportunities and support, which has been crucial in navigating the challenges of expanding a woman-owned business.
Looking Ahead
As Tres Picosos continues to grow, Jane is focused on increasing the brand’s presence in new retail and food service channels. Her goal is to make Tres Picosos the go-to choice for authentic Mexican food across the nation.
For those interested in exploring Tres Picosos’ offerings or learning more about their products, visit trespicosos.com. Tunr into the most recent episode of Women in Motion to learn more about Jane Hartgrove’s story & how she turned a family tradition into a thriving business. https://businessradiox.com/podcast/women-in-motion/tres-picosos/
About Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West (WBEC-West)
WBEC-West is a regional partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), a coalition of corporations, WBEs, and regionally focused women’s business organizations. As an affiliate organization, WBEC-West implements the certification standards of WBENC throughout Arizona, Colorado, Southern California, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Hawaii, and Guam. WBENC is the largest certifier of women’s business enterprises in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs. WBENC certification is nationally recognized and accepted by more than 10,000 major corporations. We also support corporations in their efforts to include WBENC Certified WBEs in their supply chain.
