The story of the rise of Flamin' Hot Cheetos is a story of lore, and a true rags-to-riches tale.
Legend has it that Richard Montañez created the iconic flavor while working as a janitor for Frito-Lay. Decades later, Montañez became an executive for PepsiCo after being named their vice president of multicultural sales & community promotions, and also tours the country giving motivational speeches.
However, Frito-Lay has come out and said that Montañez's story is a lie.
In a statement released to the Los Angeles Times, Frito-Lay said:
None of our records show that Richard was involved in any capacity in the Flamin' Hot test market. We have interviewed multiple personnel who were involved in the test market, and all of them indicate that Richard was not involved in any capacity in the test market. That doesn't mean we don't celebrate Richard, but the facts do not support the urban legend.
Montañez has disputed Frito-Lay's statements and the Times article. He told Variety, "I was their greatest ambassador, but I will say this, you're going to love your company more than they will ever love you, keep that in perspective."






