SAN DIEGO — Danny Schwarz is originally from Monterey, Mexico. He moved to San Diego during the pandemic to start his own business selling spicy snacks.
"When I moved to the U.S., I was always craving it so that was the inspiration behind Chuza, to bring something authentic and something that people love and something that I selfishly love," said Schwarz.
He made cold calls and worked tirelessly. Finally, his products first hit the shelves inside Seaside Market in Cardiff. They are called Chuza.
"The meaning of 'chuza,' it means something positive, like hitting all the pins in bowling or hitting a grand slam or home run. You can apply it to life. It's doing something amazing," said Schwarz.
The dried fruit snacks come in many flavors including pineapple, mango, strawberry, apricot and more. They come smothered in authentic Mexican spices.
While he won’t reveal the recipe, he promises the snacks that sell for $5 to $8 per bag contain zero artificial flavors or colors.
"The recipe is a secret for sure," Schwarz laughs.
Chuza won the first ever “Together We Grow” Greenhouse Accelerator Program: Juntos Crecemos Edition $100,000 grant from PepsiCo for successfully expanding to 500 stores.
"It was euphoric. I was excited!" said Schwarz.
This included a six-month mentorship program for up-and-coming Hispanic businesses.
PepsiCo helped him expand even more by putting his products inside 7/11. You can also buy them at Whole Foods, Ralphs, Bristol Farms and more.
His goal now? Be the most loved spicy snack! And he hopes to inspire other local entrepreneurs to spice it up.
"Be extremely persistent and believe in what you're doing," said Schwarz.
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