A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by Richard Montaez, who alleges he invented Flamin' Hot Cheetos. The suit, filed against Frito-Lay and its parent company, PepsiCo, claimed Montaez was not properly credited or compensated for his role in creating the popular snack. The judge's decision allows Montaez the chance to amend his complaint and refile the lawsuit.
Montaez's story, often cited as a prime example of the American dream, details his rise from a janitor at Frito-Lay to a marketing executive, driven by his idea for a spicy Cheeto. However, Frito-Lay has disputed Montaez's claims, stating that their internal research indicates the product was developed by a different team.
The dismissal hinges on the judge's assessment of the evidence presented. While Montaez's narrative has gained widespread recognition and inspired an upcoming biopic, the legal battle continues to question the true origins of Flamin' Hot Cheetos and the extent of Montaez's involvement.
Judge Dismisses Flamin' Hot Cheetos Inventor Lawsuit
A judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Richard Montaez, who claimed to have invented Flamin' Hot Cheetos. The lawsuit against Frito-Lay and PepsiCo was dismissed, but Montaez has the opportunity to revise and resubmit his case. The ruling doesn't negate Montaez's popular rags-to-riches narrative, but does question its factual basis. The core issue revolves around the origination of the iconic spicy snack.