The Beginning
Founded by AE Santos with a single kiln in Laredo, Texas. We began sourcing mesquite from South Texas ranches and built our reputation one bag at a time.
Nearly 50 Years of Authentic Mesquite
Since 1978, Viva Pancho has harvested mesquite from American and Mexican sources, always focused on quality, consistency, and long-term stewardship. We appreciate every family, every cookout, and every restaurant that has trusted our product over the last half century.
Timeline
48 Years and Counting
From one kiln in Laredo to nationwide distribution — the milestones that shaped Viva Pancho, told in order.
5 milestones
1978 — present
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- 1980s – 1990s
Growing Operations
Joe Alvarado joined operations, helping scale production while preserving quality and family values.
- 2000s
Production Excellence
Juan Esparza expanded warehouse and production standards, improving consistency across every product line.
- 2010s
National Reach
Distribution expanded across the country while sourcing evolved to support long-term sustainability.
- TodayEst. 1978 · Laredo, Texas
48+ Years Strong
We continue serving families, restaurants, and distributors with the same commitment to quality that started in 1978.
Trusted by restaurants & retailers
A Message from Our Family to Yours
We built this business through consistency, hard work, and trust. Thank you for keeping Viva Pancho on your shopping list, your menu, and your family table.
Thank You
We are honored to serve our community in Laredo, San Antonio, and beyond — and we remain committed to giving back.