Lauren Corugedo grew up watching Chef Merito operate like a hidden gem in Los Angeles kitchens long before the rest of the country caught on. Founded in 1985 by her Cuban immigrant grandfather, Chef Merito started with a single carne asada seasoning and built a loyal following through word of mouth, neighborhood markets, and authentic flavor that didn’t compromise to fit trends. Now, nearly 40 years later, the brand has expanded far beyond Southern California — landing in Costco, Amazon, major retailers, and even Dodger Stadium — while still staying rooted in the same recipes and cultural identity that built it in the first place. In this episode, Lauren shares what it’s like stepping into a second-generation family business, modernizing a legacy brand for a new generation of consumers, and balancing growth without losing authenticity.

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