Our Story

Mesa—the word carries a double meaning that perfectly captures our story. In our beloved Santa Barbara neighborhood, the Mesa's sun-warmed hills and close-knit community shaped our beginnings. In Spanish, "mesa" means table, that sacred place where family gathers, stories unfold, and simple meals become cherished memories. Both meanings weave together to create the heart of who we are: a company built on connection, community, and gathering.

Our story began in Ali's grandmother's kitchen, where the secrets of authentic Mexican salsa making were shared between generations. Each recipe carries her legacy—the subtle balance of chiles, the perfect blend of spices, and most importantly, the understanding that cooking is an act of love. As a young girl, Ali stood beside her grandmother, learning not just techniques, but the way food brings people together. These moments, filled with laughter and wisdom passed down in pinches and handfuls, laid the foundation for what Mesa Salsa Co. would become.

When mother-daughter team Anne and Ali founded Mesa Salsa Co., we knew we were creating more than just a business—we were extending our family's tradition of nurturing connections through food. Today, as a women and family-owned company, we remain deeply committed to these roots while branching out to support and lift up other women and underrepresented communities in the food industry. This commitment shapes everything from our hiring practices to our community partnerships.

In our kitchen, we honor tradition through action. Every batch of salsa is crafted with the same attention and care as the ones Ali's grandmother taught her to make. We source clean, fresh ingredients that let traditional flavors sing, never taking shortcuts or compromising on quality. Whether you're sharing our salsa at a family dinner, a neighborhood potluck, or a quiet evening at home, you're tasting recipes refined by generations and made with a purpose: to bring the warmth of gathering and the joy of authentic flavors to your own mesa.