When Sergio and Mayra De Leon opened their first Hispanic grocery store on Francis Avenue in North Spokane back in 2006, people thought they were out of their minds.
“People thought Mayra and Sergio De Leon were crazy for opening a Hispanic grocery store in Spokane,” said Sergio DeLeon.
But the couple had a vision—and a whole lot of faith in the power of good food to bring people together.
“We told them, this isn’t just for the Latino community. This is for everybody,” Sergio told The Spokesman-Review. “Everyone likes Mexican food.”
Today, De Leon Foods is more than just a grocery store. It’s a Spokane institution, a regional food powerhouse, and a testament to what hard work, family values, and great tortillas can do.
A Family Dream Built from Scratch
Sergio, who grew up in Texas, and Mayra, who grew up helping in corner stores and on farms, moved to Spokane in the 1990s. They started a freight-handling company—Northwest Freight Handlers—but food was always calling. Mayra’s recipes quickly became favorites among their warehouse employees, and the De Leons took the leap into retail and hospitality.
Their first store on Francis and Division in Spokane is 10,000 square feet, and offered something Spokane had never seen before: a full-scale Hispanic grocery experience—bakery, deli, taco bar, and grocery aisles stocked with Latin American staples. The community responded with enthusiasm.
By 2015, the De Leons opened a second, much larger location in Spokane Valley. At nearly 20,000 square feet, this space became the home of their now-famous tortilla factory—a centerpiece of the De Leon brand. Using flour sourced from the Palouse, their tortillas are churned out by the thousands each day and distributed to restaurants and stores across the Inland Northwest.
Their tortilla factory produces up to 9,600 tortillas per hour. Others report the number climbing as high as 19,000.
Tortillas, Tacos & Growth
The De Leon name isn’t just tied to grocery shelves. The couple launched De Leon’s Taco & Bar, a cozy restaurant concept that blends fresh ingredients, creative margaritas, and a community-focused vibe. With locations on North Division, South Hill, and near Gonzaga University, the brand has become a staple for everything from casual lunch to lively weekend dinners.
And they’re not stopping there. Expansion into North Idaho is complete.
All the while, their tortilla chips, tamales, and salsas are becoming increasingly sought-after by local restaurants—including downtown Spokane’s famed Davenport Hotel and eateries like Rocket Bakery and Wild Sage.
One fun milestone came during a Seahawks playoff run when their son Anthony suggested making blue and green tortilla chips. The result? Two-hour-long lines and sold-out stock. “People were calling days in advance asking if we’d have Seahawks chips,” Sergio recalled.
A Kitchen Powered by Passion
Much of the magic comes from Mayra herself. She still leads recipe development and kitchen operations for both stores and restaurants. Her love for the work runs deep.
“To be in the kitchen is one of my passions,” she shared in a 2019 Inlander feature. “I don’t care if I have to be here all day.”
Mayra’s story is remarkable—she immigrated to the U.S. in her early 20s and worked her way up from cleaning bathrooms to co-owning a food empire. She was honored as Latina Business Leader of the Year for her success and commitment to empowering others.
Community at the Heart
With nearly 170 employees across their businesses, Sergio and Mayra have built more than just a company—they’ve built a family. Sergio serves on the board of Second Harvest Food Bank and is involved with local Hispanic chambers and economic development efforts. The couple regularly gives back through scholarships, food donations, and community events.
“Our dream is to one day pass our businesses on to our kids,” Sergio told the Journal of Business. “We want this legacy to continue.”
And it will.
Because what the De Leons have built isn’t just a successful business—it’s a symbol of cultural pride, community, and the delicious things that happen when you blend tradition, ambition, and a whole lot of love.
Follow De Leon Foods and De Leon’s Taco & Bar on Instagram for the latest on locations, specials, and new recipes. And if you haven’t tried their tortillas yet… what are you waiting for? 🌮
