Our story begins in the early 1900s when Henry Steinbarth left his Bavarian homeland to seek a new life in the United States. Settling in Chicago, he faced numerous challenges as a young immigrant but persevered. In 1924, he established a meat market on the city’s southwest side, aiming to create products that reflected the quality and flavor of his European heritage, specializing in baked goods and hand-crafted sausages.
As Chicago’s population diversified with immigrants from Latin America, Henry recognized an opportunity to cater to new customers. He crafted a Mexican sausage recipe known as Chorizo, earning a reputation as “La Preferida,” meaning “The Preferred,” within the Mexican community. Henry’s sons, Ralph and Billy, joined the business, selling Chorizo and other products from the family car. Alongside lifelong friend Frank O’Grady, they transformed the family store into a thriving food company.
In 1949, the La Preferida brand was officially introduced to the market. Building on Henry’s vision, the three young entrepreneurs expanded their offerings. Today, La Preferida offers over 250 products, including canned beans, rice, hominy, olive oil, seasonings, salsas, refried beans, peppers, and more. Generations of consumers trust La Preferida as a symbol of quality and flavor.
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