http://www.savethetortillas.com/index.php/site/index/ en jgorzka@mac.com Copyright 2009 2009-09-01T19:46:30+00:00 http://www.savethetortillas.com/index.php/site/the_tortillas_have_been_saved/ http://www.savethetortillas.com/index.php/site/the_tortillas_have_been_saved/#When:18:46:30Z I am thrilled to announce that our Chapter 11 efforts are mostly behind us. SunTrust Bank and La Bonita Ole have agreed to a joint plan of reorganization. The recently submitted joint plan was the result of all parties agreeing to terms that protect the bank’s interests, while compensating them for their risk, and provides the existing shareholders a return on their investment based on the future success of La Bonita Ole.  And things are looking bright!  Subject to confirmation of the joint plan, La Bonita Ole will be exiting bankruptcy!!! The Future of La Bonita Ole I am thrilled to announce that our Chapter 11 efforts are mostly behind us. SunTrust Bank and La Bonita Ole have agreed to a joint plan of reorganization. The recently submitted joint plan was the result of all parties agreeing to terms that protect the bank’s interests, while compensating them for their risk, and provides the existing shareholders a return on their investment based on the future success of La Bonita Ole.  And things are looking bright!  Subject to confirmation of the joint plan, La Bonita Ole will be exiting bankruptcy!!! Lessons Learned from Social Media The Value of Listening The last several months have been a whirlwind and we’ve made a ton of new friends.  We’ve been using the internet to connect with and listen to comments and ideas from fans of our tortillas.  I’m truly amazed at the power of people & I’m so very grateful to everyone who has connected with us and shared how much they love our Tam-x-icos and Wrapitz tortillas.  We’ve been further blessed by the friendship of reporters, editors and writers in the media who took the time to get to know our tortilla-making family and share our story.  Thank you. One mom told us she goes through a few packs of Tam-x-icos a week making egg tacos and cheese quesadillas for her kids.  Another fan let us know she would have nothing to eat for lunch if we didn’t keep making our lo-carb tortillas!  We also found out that our tortillas are enjoyed internationally – one fan let us know that her father lives outside the US & has her regularly ship him a supply of our flavored & low-carb tortillas! Thank you for telling us what you like, what’s important to you and what else we can provide you.  Now we’re working on delivering all that you’ve asked for… Creative Easy-to-Make Tortilla Recipes We’ve heard you want more recipes so we’re going to be blogging more fun, creative and easy to make dishes and entertaining ideas for families and friends. More Healthy Choices: Gluten-Free Tortillas We’ve heard that you want a gluten-free tortilla.  Well, we aim to please!  Our chief chef is in the test kitchen working to perfect a delicious gluten-free tortilla that will we look forward to offering in the very near future. Tam-x-icos and Wrapitz Tortillas Across America We’ve heard from folks across the country who learned about us online, searched for us at their local grocer & then couldn’t find Tamxicos or Wrapitz at their local grocery store.  We’re working on that!  Our sales team is busy calling grocery stores and retailers around the country, letting them know that tortilla lovers are looking for Tam-x-icos and Wrapitz. If you don’t see Tam-x-icos or Wrapitz in your local grocery store, please let us know so we can relay your request for our products to your favorite grocer to let us know! Take the Conversation Offline Host a Tortilla Party: Tampa Tastecasters One of my favorite moments in our campaign was when the Tampa Tastecasters came by for a tour and to see how our tortillas are made.  The Tastecasters are a group of socially-networked foodies and chefs who like to help spread the word about cool locally-owned food businesses.  They took over our kitchen and cooked up a storm of some of the most delicious dishes I’ve ever had – Mexican Lasagna, Crawfish Enchiladas, Chai Thai Teriyaki Tacos and Chicken and Dumplings.  Their creativity in the kitchen was truly inspiring. Keep Receiving and Giving Delicious Tortilla Love We want to keep hearing from you!  Get the latest news, recipes and special offers for Tam-x-icos and Wrapitz Tortillas by signing up for our Tam-x-icos and Wrapitz Tortilla Lovers updates.  We’ll be sending out exclusive updates and offers.  Connect with us on Facebook or Twitter.  Keep the comments, requests and questions coming!  Thank you from the bottom of our Tortilla-Making Hearts!  On behalf of everyone here at La Bonita Ole, I want you to know we’re excited about what the future holds for our company, our tortillas and the folks who enjoy eating them!  2009-09-01T18:46:30+00:00 http://www.savethetortillas.com/index.php/site/meet_the_folks_of_la_bonita_ole/ http://www.savethetortillas.com/index.php/site/meet_the_folks_of_la_bonita_ole/#When:15:56:38Z Everybody please allow me to introduce you to some of the tortilla gurus of La Bonita Ole! They are like family to me and you won’t find any more dedicated, loyal hard working bunch of folks anywhere. Walk through our doors and you feel the love. Click through to see their photos and read what they have to say. Thanks! Taco Tammy Everybody please allow me to introduce you to some of the tortilla gurus of La Bonita Ole! They are like family to me and you won’t find any more dedicated, loyal hard working bunch of folks anywhere. Walk through our doors and you feel the love. Listen to what they have to say. Thanks! Taco Tammy “Didn’t have a job before now I can take care of my family. If we stay in business everybody stays in business. This is a fun place and second home to me.” – Anthony Strother “This company represents my house and my family” – Joel Rodriguez “This job means everything to me… house, work, and family. That means La Bonita for me!” – Orestes Subira “Our products help people with special needs such as diabetes, high blood pressure, Celiac’s disease, and our products promote a healthy diet. We are all one big happy family here. We are very blessed and I don’t want to leave” – Sherin Lucas “The tortillas are wonderful! Buy our tortillas and I can keep my job” – Lucy Cintron “We need to keep our jobs especially in this economy and the tortillas are the best!” – John Kienzle “I need my job. We feed the hungry and help the farmers” – Dawn Renzi “For me, my family depends on me. We want to improve the economy for everyone” – Ivan Rivas Mercado “Let’s just survive! I do this for Tammy, I have high respect for her.” – Chris Meyer “I like the people that work here and I like to be here. The tortillas are delicious” – Angelica Garcia “We are treated accordingly and are really cared about as employees. The tortillas are delicious!” – Juan Irizarry “I hope to keep my job because we make a good product.” – Miguel Avalos “I do not want myself or my friends to lose our jobs. The tortillas are good tasting and they are healthy!” – Aimee Ortega “My family depends on my job and I enjoy what I do. This is a great place to work.” – Dayanis Gonzalez “I need my job to support my family first and foremost. My co-workers are great and it is a fun place to work!” – Tim Hutchinson “LBO has given me a great opportunity and I have met many great people here. Our products are also very good and tasty. It would be a shame to see us lose this company!” – David Ziglar “We are a small business that needs help right now. All of the employees will be affected if there is a change here. Please support our company by purchasing out tortillas and keeping our company alive!” – Christian Diaz “I have a family to support and I enjoy working here. Please help us Save the Tortillas!” – Billy Spitzer “I have not been here very long but I really like the people and the tortillas are very good. I hope that I am able to stay here.” – Jose Avalos “I have found many reasons that this company means so much to me. It helps me take care of my family and when the going got tough my LBO family helped me too. This company deserves a chance!” – Heidi Douglas “This company has given me a great opportunity in the past few years. I was even just able to purchase my first home! I hope we can keep our jobs.” – Yonnesly Carmenate “This is an excellent place to work and we have a great President. Everything I do, I do it for her because she deserves to have the hardest working people here!” – Paul Primavera 2009-07-23T15:56:38+00:00 http://www.savethetortillas.com/index.php/site/a_tampa_tortilla_extravaganza/ http://www.savethetortillas.com/index.php/site/a_tampa_tortilla_extravaganza/#When:20:23:44Z Wednesday, July 22, chefs and foodies from throughout the Tampa Bay area will come together for a special Tastecasting™ event in support of the “Save The Tortillas” movement. Tampa Tastecasters recently held their first meeting and when they heard about our movement to Save The Tortillas, they generously offered to use their reach and connections to help spread the word about our movement and create new recipes using out tortillas.  “I’m blown away by how our community has come together to help this local business,” said Tastecasting Team Leader Bill Cason (@tampatastebuds).  Wednesday, July 22, chefs and foodies from throughout the Tampa Bay area will come together for a special Tastecasting™ event in support of the “Save The Tortillas” movement.  Tampa Tastecasters recently held their first meeting and when they heard about our movement to Save The Tortillas, they generously offered to use their reach and connections to help spread the word about our movement and create new recipes using out tortillas.  “I’m blown away by how our community has come together to help this local business,” said Tastecasting Team Leader Bill Cason (@tampatastebuds).  TasteCasting combines socially networked foodies plus the social media platforms and applications they use to help local restaurants and establishments build awareness, announce grand openings, introduce new menu items, distribute special offers and encourage people to visit the establishments they talk about.  From 7-8pm we are inviting the public to join the Tastecasters for a tour of our production facility to experience how we make our tortillas and taste them freshly baked. The woman behind the tortillas, “Taco Tammy”, will lead the tour and share her story.  RSVP required – email melanieb@tamxicos.com. From 8-9 p.m. (for registered TasteCasters only, though media are welcome) TasteCasting™ team members will enjoy Mexican Lasagna and Crawfish Enchiladas that the chefs Kathy aka @chefkathy and Norm aka @gourmetcook will be creating. using Tam-x-ico’s and Wrap-itz tortilla products. Tampa’s Queen of Sauce, Michele Northrup will be bringing Intensity Academy Hot Sauces to taste with the tortillas.  The chefs will also be sharing their favorite tortilla recipes, which will be published on our blog! For more info and to join Tastecasters - http://bit.ly/tpataste or email TasteBudsTampa@Gmail.com 2009-07-17T20:23:44+00:00 http://www.savethetortillas.com/index.php/site/curry_and_chutney_chicken_wraps/ http://www.savethetortillas.com/index.php/site/curry_and_chutney_chicken_wraps/#When:18:09:40Z Ingredients 3 split (1 1/2 whole) chicken breasts, bone in, skin on Olive oil Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 1 1/2 cups of low-fat mayonnaise Ingredients 3 split (1 1/2 whole) chicken breasts, bone in, skin on Olive oil Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 1 1/2 cups of low-fat mayonnaise 1/3 cup dry white wine 1/4 cup chutney (recommended: Major Gray’s or Spicy Major Gray’s) 3.5 tablespoons indian curry powder 1 cup medium-diced celery (2 stalks) 1 red onion julienned or chopped finely 1/4 cup chopped scallions, white and green parts (2 scallions) 1/4 cup raisins 1 cup whole roasted, salted cashews, chopped 1 bunch fresh cilantro chopped finely 6 Tamxicos Whole Wheat tortillas Directions Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place the chicken breasts on a sheet pan and rub the skin with olive oil. Scatter julienned red onions on and around the chicken. Sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper. Roast for 35 to 40 minutes, until the chicken is just cooked. Set aside until slightly cooled. Remove the meat from the bones, discard the skin, and shred the chicken in pieces. For the dressing, combine the mayonnaise, wine, chutney, curry powder, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt in a food processor. Process until smooth. Combine the chicken with dressing enough to moisten. Add the celery, scallions, and raisins, and mix well. Refrigerate for two hours to allow the flavors to blend. Add the cashews and the chopped cilantro to the chicken. Fill the center of each tortilla with the chicken mixture. Fold the 2 sides of the tortilla over the filling so that the sides overlap. Roll the tortilla from bottom to top, and cut in half diagonally. 2009-07-14T18:09:40+00:00 http://www.savethetortillas.com/index.php/site/meet_the_mom_behind_the_tortillas/ http://www.savethetortillas.com/index.php/site/meet_the_mom_behind_the_tortillas/#When:19:34:26Z Tammy’s mom, Ali Davenport was initially dismayed when Tammy dropped out of Western Kentucky University in 1977 to start her career in the food industry–driving a Tom’s Potato Chips truck in Kentucky. She wasn’t pleased then, but now, she couldn’t be more proud of her daughter! Hear the story of Tammy’s rise to Tortilla Stardom! 2009-07-08T19:34:26+00:00 http://www.savethetortillas.com/index.php/site/lime_chicken_and_tortilla_soup/ http://www.savethetortillas.com/index.php/site/lime_chicken_and_tortilla_soup/#When:18:55:03Z · 6 Tamxicos corn tortillas · One fresh sliced avocado (diced just prior to serving) · 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast · 6 cups chicken broth More after the jump… Ingredients · 6 Tamxicos corn tortillas · One fresh sliced avocado (diced just prior to serving) · 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast · 6 cups chicken broth · 1 large sweet onion finely chopped · 1 cup chopped green or red bell pepper · 1 fresh garlic clove finely minced · 1 Tbsp olive oil · 1 large tomato chopped or 1/2 of a 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes drained · 1/4 tsp dried oregano crushed or 1 Tbsp chopped fresh oregano · 1 Tbsp fresh lime zest · 3 Tbsp fresh lime juice · 1 cup fresh chopped cilantro · 1 chopped jalepeno or serrano pepper to serve on the side Directions Cut tortillas in half, then crosswise into 1/2 inch wide strips. Arrange on baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray or light cooking oil. Bake 10 minutes or until lightly browned. In large pot boil broth with chicken covered for about 15 minutes. Remove chicken and shred once cool. Pour broth into a large bowl. In same pot saute sweet onion,  peppers and garlic until tender. Add broth, tomato and oregano. Bring to boil. Stir in lime zest and lime juice. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. Stir in chicken and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. To Serve: Ladle soup into bowls. Add a few tortilla strips and serve with chopped jalapenos, cilantro, avocado, and lime wedges. 2009-07-01T18:55:03+00:00 http://www.savethetortillas.com/index.php/site/we_made_the_front_page_of_the_tampa_tribune/ http://www.savethetortillas.com/index.php/site/we_made_the_front_page_of_the_tampa_tribune/#When:13:48:37Z Whew! Monday was a full day of court proceedings & the story broke on the front page of the Tampa Tribune Tuesday.  First amendment to the US Constitution won the day amongst other historical rulings. We have an incredible judge. This is an unprecidented and unique campaign. Long live the tortillas! Whew! Monday was a full day of court proceedings & the story broke on the front page of the Tampa Tribune Tuesday.  First amendment to the US Constitution won the day amongst other historical rulings. We have an incredible judge. This is an unprecidented and unique campaign. Long live the tortillas! Thanks to reporter Jeff Houck for letting us use this picture he took when he came to interview me at the tortilleria Thanks for all your support! Taco Read the full story here - Tortilla Company Uses Web as Safety Net by Jeff Houck   2009-07-01T13:48:37+00:00 http://www.savethetortillas.com/index.php/site/la_bonita_ole_on_news_channel_8/ http://www.savethetortillas.com/index.php/site/la_bonita_ole_on_news_channel_8/#When:03:32:28Z 2009-06-26T03:32:28+00:00 http://www.savethetortillas.com/index.php/site/basil-tomato_tortilla_pizza/ http://www.savethetortillas.com/index.php/site/basil-tomato_tortilla_pizza/#When:03:01:09Z * 1 Tamxicos flour tortilla (any flavor works here) * Preheat oven to 400 degrees * Brush 1tsp olive oil evenly on top of the tortilla More after the jump… * 1 Tamxicos flour tortilla (any flavor works here) * Preheat oven to 400 degrees * Brush 1tsp olive oil evenly on top of the tortilla * Spread 1/4 cup of fresh grated mozzarella cheese evenly onto tortilla * Sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese (reggiano preferably) * Place circular slices of fresh tomato onto pizza * Place on sheet pan and bake until golden brown on top for 8 minutes * Allow to cool for 1 minute, tear two large fresh basil leaves on top of tomatoes, cut into triangles and serve Feel free to use your imagination for toppings. These make amazing appetizers! 2009-06-26T03:01:09+00:00 http://www.savethetortillas.com/index.php/site/why_were_here/ http://www.savethetortillas.com/index.php/site/why_were_here/#When:03:09:23Z La Bonita Ole makes tortillas. Flour. Corn. Lo-carb. Whole wheat with omega 3 & Calcium. 32 varieties in all, in both refrigerated – Tam-x-ico’s, and shelf-stable – Wrap-Itz, versions. The company has been in business since 1992 when Tammy Young tasted the recipe of a good friend, Fernando Gutierrez, who had his own small tortilleria in Detroit, Michigan. Taco Tammy, who had spent years in route sales in the food distribution industry was poised to create her own destiny. For the first 15 years of life, La Bonita Ole produced its products in the plants of other manufacturers. In 2006, the company financed the construction of its own facility on Columbus Drive in east Tampa. La Bonita Ole makes tortillas. Flour. Corn. Lo-carb. Whole wheat with omega 3 & Calcium. 32 varieties in all, in both refrigerated – Tam-x-ico’s, and shelf-stable – Wrap-Itz, versions. The company has been in business since 1992 when Tammy Young tasted the recipe of a good friend, Fernando Gutierrez, who had his own small tortilleria in Detroit, Michigan. Taco Tammy, who had spent years in route sales in the food distribution industry was poised to create her own destiny. For the first 15 years of life, La Bonita Ole produced its products in the plants of other manufacturers. In 2006, the company financed the construction of its own facility on Columbus Drive in east Tampa. When LBO fired up production in March, 2007, it employed 44 people, distributed to 26 retail and food service outlets from Florida to Michigan, and from New York to Texas and looked forward to revenues over $11 million. “It’s a traditional product in that people have fond memories of grandma’s tortillas,” said Jim Kabbani, executive director of the Tortilla Industry Association, an organization of which La Bonita Ole is a member. “So they really pay attention to quality.” That confidence in quality has led CEO Taco Tammy to align with well-respected food producers, such as Tyson Foods and Sargento Cheese. The company was recently named tortilla manufacturer of the year by Snackfood and Wholesale Bakery magazine, and Women’s Health magazine voted it one of the 100 best food products for women. “It’s been a long ride,” says Taco Tammy, “and miracles have happened that have kept us in business and part of the small contingent of successful Tampa Bay industries. I’m incredibly grateful for all of it” 2009-06-23T03:09:23+00:00