Read previewA former executive at PepsiCo has sued the company, claiming he should get credit for being the brains behind Flamin' Hot Cheetos.
He published a memoir in 2021, and his life story was made into the film "Flamin' Hot" in 2023.
Enrico liked the idea so much that he ordered PepsiCo to start making spicy Cheetos, the lawsuit says.
AdvertisementPepsiCo launched nationwide sales of Flamin' Hot Cheetos in 1992.
AdvertisementIn a later statement, a spokesperson for PepsiCo told Variety that it attributed the launch and success of Flamin' Hot Cheetos "and other products" to several people, including Montañez.
Persons:
—, Flamin, Richard Montañez, Montañez, Lay, Richard, Roger Enrico, Enrico, Montañez's, didn't, PepsiCo's
Organizations:
Service, PepsiCo, Business, Angeles Times, Frito, Walmart, Target, Harvard University, Los Angeles Times, Lay, Times, Midwest, The Times, Variety
Locations:
Rancho Cucamonga , California, Texas, Mexican