Frozen Mexican food pioneer dies at 87
SAN ANTONIO, TX
His son, Herb Stumberg, said his father died Tuesday at a San
Antonio hospital after a long illness.
Stumberg said his father and his family founded Patio Mexican
Foods in San Antonio in 1946 so wartime Army Air Force trainees who
developed a taste for the city's Mexican food could have that food
available after demobilization. Starting with frozen tamales and
chili, Patio eventually began selling frozen dinners in the 1960s.
Stumberg remained with Patio Foods through several mergers and
acquisitions before retiring. Patio is now owned by Omaha,
Neb.-based ConAgra Foods.
A memorial is scheduled Saturday at First Presbyterian Church in
San Antonio.
