About Us
Beginnings
Dan, Nat, and Phil Calhoun grew up and served alongside their parents as missionaries in Poza Rica, Mexico. It was there in Mexico that the brothers learned to speak Spanish fluently. This is also where the Lord instilled in them a heart for the Gospel and for the people of Mexico. The brothers returned to the United States for further education and together went into business as landscapers.
While working in the landscaping business, the brothers recognized a need for preservative-free tortillas in North Carolina. After researching the tortilla making process in Guadalajara, Mexico and importing the necessary tortilla equipment to Winston Salem, NC, the idea to manufacture and distribute tortillas came to life.
Our Brand
“Cuervito Morado” or “Purple Crow” originated from the desire to portray a company logo that not only stood apart from the competition but also exuberated something “fun.” Inspired by childhood cartoon characters, initial sketches of crows making tortillas in a cornfield likened the company to the corn tortillas it manufactured. After a series of drawings and ideas, the depiction of a purple crow offered a unique twist to the classic black crow.
From the company’s beginning to present day, the “Purple Crow” has remained distinctive among the competition and the sole image on our expanding line of fresh tortillas, tostadas, cheeses, creams, meats, yogurts, and snacks.
Our Distribution
In 2000, after years of distributing fresh tortillas to tiendas around the Carolinas, and as the demand for Hispanic products grew, the company met the needs of their customers by supplying additional grocery items. Since then, La Tortilleria has become one of the largest suppliers of Hispanic products in the country. In 2020, the company took another step in distribution by purchasing Carolina Foods, LLC, a foodservice distributor, and now extends its services to restaurants.
Food, Faith, Family, and Fun shape the culture at La Tortilleria. We believe that a balance of work and play is essential and that treating others the way we want to be treated is the best way to work together.
2021 Headquarters Expansion (ongoing)
Faith
Family
We honor the families of those who lend their time and energy for our company and work to establish business practices that are beneficial for all.
Food
Fun
Camping, sporting events, and picnics are a few ways we enjoy the fruits of our labor together. We believe that a balance of work and fun is essential to life.
Our job is to make sure that the products you need are readily available. We provide quality grocery items from a wide array of suppliers and manufacturers.
We strive to conduct business in a way that is God-exalting and encourage our team to treat you the way we would want to be treated.