In 1945, arriving from Mexico in search of the American dream, Pedro & Lucy Castro decided to start their own business on the south side of Chicago. They named it La Guadalupana after Our Lady of Guadalupe because of their religious beliefs and cultural background. They specialized in tamales and homemade products using their own traditional recipes.

The products for which La Guadalupana are most well known for are the tamales and masa preparada (the corn meal used to make tamales). Tamales are a part of all Latino family traditions. Latino families take pride in making their own style of tamales. La Guadalupana products have become part of these Latino traditions all around the United States.

In 1992, Rogelio Castro, son of Pedro and Lucy, expanded production to a USDA approved plant to send La Guadalupana products to all customers. In 2015, Rogelio’s son, Alejandro Castro, was named President of the company. He continues to this day to produce the authentic quality products for which La Guadalupana is known.