Today, a Story. Tomorrow, a Legend.

Sandra and John Perez have a reputation as excellent party hosts in Anthem, Arizona, where neighbors, friends, and family frequently visit their home. All John and Sandra need is an excuse to cook, whether for a party, casual dinner, or holiday. Food prepared by the Perez family is typically rich, authentic, and diverse. Their cooking is so coveted that they often cater large events with their delicious dishes for family, friends, and referrals.

The magic to their flavorful food, and the mystery behind their unmatched flavors, comes from a special cook seasoning that was a carefully guarded secret exclusive to John and Sandra's family for as long as they can remember. This special recipe was passed down and perfected through generations on Sandra’s side of the family, through her mother Manuelita, best known as Mamita by her grandchildren.

When people peek over their shoulders as they cook, they are surprised to watch them flavor an entire savory meal from a single bottle with the perfect blend of seasonings. Inevitably, someone will say, “you MUST give us your recipe.” Guests would leave with Ziplock bags filled generously with the seasoning, and it was a special treat to leave with a baggie of “Johnnie Chingas.”

Friends prodded them to sell their seasoning every time they turned around. Many people were begging for the chance to take the magic home. To the Perez family, it did not seem to be an opportunity as much as it was a calling. As a result, they now offer their seasoning from their table to yours… from their hearts to yours… Con amor!

  • Generations

  • John & Sandra

  • Kiana & Kiara

What is in the bottle?

In a bottle you will find the perfect blend of salt, pepper, onion, garlic, papain, and spices that make measuring unnecessary for the beginner to the seasoned chef and for everyone in-between. Whether you prefer seasoning with just a sprinkle or with a heavy hand, you will find our original cook seasoning the perfect enhancement to any savory dish… all from just one bottle.

Here is to creating magic around your dinner table, too.

  • Mamita Manuelita

  • Perez Family

And about our name… we mean no offense.

Here is the story…

Before John Perez lived at Pearl Harbor Naval base, he needed a place to stay in Los Angeles. His friend’s mom, Rosie, heard he was looking for a space, and she converted her garage into a bedroom for John. With limited options for food nearby, John would often nudge his way into Rosie’s house to find a place at her family’s dinner table. Before long, it became a bit of a joke that this young service man was always willing to accept a free meal. One day, as he came in through the screen door to the kitchen, Rosie exclaimed, “Here comes Johnnie Chingas!” This endearing nickname stuck, and John rarely heard his given name again.

The word Chingas translates “pain in the @$$,” but the name Rosie playfully pronounced on John was lighthearted and full of love.

Although that is the simple history to the name, Johnnie Chingas became a larger-than-life alter ego for John Perez. Family and friends all refer to him as Johnnie Chingas. His nickname is a playful persona inseparable from the silly man who is full of life and laughter who simply does not know how to leave anything or anyone alone. Como Chingas, Johnnie Chingas! 

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