The seemingly simple culinary pairing of chips, salsa, and guacamole has become a significant cultural and economic phenomenon, extending far beyond its Tex-Mex origins. While the precise “best” iteration remains subjective, the demand for these accompaniments is demonstrably high, with the global tortilla chip market reaching nearly $36 billion in 2023, according to market research firm IMARC Group.

The story of the tortilla chip itself is relatively recent. Though inspired by ancient Mexican tortillas, the crispy, triangular snack as we know it today emerged in 1940s California. Rebecca Webb Carranza, running a tortilla factory in Los Angeles, began frying misshapen tortillas to avoid waste, inadvertently creating a new culinary staple. This innovation quickly gained popularity, spreading across the United States and eventually becoming a global favorite.

Today, the market reflects a diverse range of preferences. From simple, salted chips to flavored varieties, consumers have numerous options. This demand fuels a robust industry, with companies constantly innovating to cater to evolving tastes. The popularity extends beyond casual snacking; tortilla chips are integral to dishes like nachos, and serve as the primary vehicle for dips such as salsa and guacamole.

The appeal of salsa and guacamole further contributes to the overall demand. Mr. Tempo Cantina in Los Angeles, for example, offers a “Guac, Chips and Salsa” appetizer described as “Crispy tortilla chips paired with fresh guacamole and zesty salsa for a delightful sharing experience,” priced at $18.00. This illustrates the common practice of restaurants featuring these items as a shared appetizer, highlighting their social aspect.

For businesses looking to capitalize on this demand, specialized equipment and bundled packages are available. Photo Booth Supply Co. Offers a “Guac & Chips: Growth Bundle” priced at $13,999.00, which includes two photo booth setups – one professional-grade and one mobile – designed to handle large events and quick turnarounds. While seemingly unrelated to the food itself, this demonstrates the cultural significance of the pairing, extending even into event entertainment.

The bundle includes a variety of equipment, such as the Guac Photo Booth, Godox MS300-V Flash, Canon EOS R100 Camera Kit, and a DNP DS620A printer. It also provides marketing materials, backdrop stands, and two years of Fiesta Pro software. A separate “Salsa 2 Photo Booth” is included, designed for simpler, more mobile applications. The inclusion of a two-year warranty and extended care package suggests a focus on long-term business viability.

The availability of such comprehensive packages indicates a growing market for event-related services that incorporate elements of popular culture, like the association with chips, salsa, and guacamole. This suggests a broader trend of leveraging familiar and enjoyable experiences to enhance event offerings.

Beyond commercial offerings, the preparation of these items at home remains popular. Recipes for homemade tortilla chips, guacamole, and salsa trios (tomato, mango, and roasted corn) are readily available, catering to those who prefer a more personalized culinary experience. This highlights the versatility of these ingredients and their adaptability to different tastes and preferences.

The enduring popularity of chips, salsa, and guacamole is a testament to their simple yet satisfying nature. Originating from humble beginnings as a solution to food waste, the tortilla chip has evolved into a global snack phenomenon. Coupled with the fresh flavors of salsa and guacamole, it represents a culinary combination that continues to resonate with consumers worldwide. The market’s continued growth, as evidenced by the $36 billion valuation and the availability of specialized business packages, suggests that this trend is likely to persist for the foreseeable future.

Even smaller establishments, like Hurricane Grill Wings, offer Chips, Salsa & Guac as a menu item available for online ordering, demonstrating the widespread availability and consistent demand for this classic combination.

Cross Lanes, West Virginia, mourns the loss of Melvin Lawrence Ashbrook, Jr., a longtime resident who passed away on February 3, 2026, at Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston. He was 80 years old.

Ashbrook’s passing was reported by the Charleston Gazette-Mail, marking the end of a life deeply rooted in the Kanawha Valley. Details surrounding his life and career remain limited, but his death is noted alongside those of other recent West Virginia residents, Ulysses Dawson of Cross Lanes and Kellar Patton of Dunbar.

The Charleston Gazette-Mail has recently published a series of obituaries for individuals from the surrounding communities. Ulysses Dawson, also of Cross Lanes, and Kellar Patton, from Dunbar, were both recently remembered in the newspaper’s obituary section. The clustering of these notices suggests a period of loss for the region.

While specific details about Ashbrook’s life are currently scarce, his obituary serves as a formal acknowledgment of his passing and a point of remembrance for those who knew him. The Gazette-Mail’s coverage provides a public record of his death, allowing family and friends to share in their grief and celebrate his memory.

Hubbard Hospice House, where Ashbrook spent his final days, is a well-known facility in the Charleston area, providing compassionate end-of-life care. Its mention in the obituary underscores the importance of palliative care and the support available to families during difficult times.

The passing of Melvin Ashbrook, Jr., alongside the recent deaths of Dawson and Patton, highlights the cyclical nature of life and loss within a community. The Charleston Gazette-Mail’s role in documenting these events provides a valuable service to families and serves as a historical record for future generations.

Further information regarding Ashbrook’s life, including his professional achievements, family members, and personal interests, has not yet been publicly released. The Gazette-Mail’s obituary serves as a preliminary notice, and a more comprehensive account of his life may emerge in the coming days.

The deaths of Ashbrook, Dawson, and Patton within a short timeframe may prompt reflection on the challenges and opportunities facing communities in West Virginia. The loss of long-time residents represents a shift in the social fabric of these towns, and their memories will undoubtedly be cherished by those who remain.

As the community grieves, the Charleston Gazette-Mail continues to provide a platform for remembrance and acknowledgment of lives lived. The publication of these obituaries serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring the deceased and supporting those who are left behind.

The passing of Melvin Lawrence Ashbrook, Jr., is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring power of community. While details remain limited, his memory will live on through those who knew and loved him.