Marketing

California Tortilla introduces 'saucemelier'

Andrew Enriquez, of California, is Cal Tort's first saucemelier. Provided.

July 25, 2022

California Tortilla, which is also known as Cal Tort, has named Andrew Enriquez of California as its first saucemelier — think of a sommelier but saucier.

After putting out a marekting call asking for such a person, Enriquez made the final cut and has been sampling the 75 sauces available at California Tortilla. He has also recorded a series of sauce tips including "How To Beat the Heat," when sauces prove hotter than expected, as well as "Flavor Rules," and "Sauce Hacks" at California Tortilla. To check out the videos, follow @CalTort on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

"With Andrew, we found someone who matched our passion for hot sauce," Robert Phillips, president and chairman of California Tortilla, said in a company press release. "His role as our first saucemelier was an ambitious endeavor, but he stepped up to the plate and demonstrated his great taste and ability to take (and enjoy) the heat. We were delighted to collaborate with him and get his feedback on our sauces so that we can offer our guests suggestions on how to enhance their experiences at our restaurants."

Enriquez ate tortillas from toddlerhood and learned to eat hot peppers with bravado at a young age during carne asada breaks on weekends with his dad. A veteran of the U.S. Army and many hot food eating challenges, Enriquez has slathered hot sauce over tacos, rice bowls and everything from buffalo wings to ice creams, even crafting a few bottles himself.

With 38 locations, California Tortilla is seeking experienced multi-unit operators but is open to partnering with highly qualified single-unit operators in the eastern half of the United States.