Texas Tech Alum Turns Pandemic Setback Into Johnny G’s Salsa Co. Success

When John Gallegos had a problem with money, he turned it into a business that did very well. The pandemic gave birth to Johnny G's Salsa Co. in 2020, and the company is now heating restaurants all over the world, not just in Lubbock.

Gallegos had a hard time getting a job in Lubbock that paid as much as the one he had in the Dallas-Fort Worth area before he moved there with his wife. That's when his homemade salsa saved the day.

"I started making salsa for friends and family, and it kind of caught fire," he said. What started as a short-term fix quickly became a hit in Lubbock, and now Johnny G's Salsa is becoming popular in DFW, where the family has moved.

Johnny G's has three kinds: the traditional red (rojo), the Tatemada, and the green. There are mild, medium, and "full send extra hot" reds. The verde is light and cool. The spiciest choice is the Tatemada, which is made from a mix of tomatoes, tomatillos, and scorpion peppers. Chili fans love it.

Gallegos said, "The Tatemada has always been a fan favorite for chili heads." "The verde adds flavor to dishes that need a pop, and the red is a solid classic."

Johnny G's salsas are made with fire-roasted and smoked peppers and don't have any added preservatives. It takes a whole day to make each batch. Customers often find store-bought alternatives lacking after trying Gallegos' creations because of how good they taste and feel.

To build a strong customer base in DFW, Gallegos is now making salsas by hand, and his bold tastes continue to get praise. "People will be pleased with us if they give us a chance," he said.

The story of Johnny G's Salsa Co. shows that even when things go wrong, the best chances can come from them.

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