Hi, my name's Lisa Marinaccio, founder of Crushed. I grew up in an Italian New York family straight out of a Scorsese film—big, loud, passionate, and always gathered around the dinner table. No matter what the day brought, we connected over fresh, home-cooked meals made with love.
My father was only 10 years old when he immigrated from his hometown Accadia Italy to New York in 1957. My grandparents Paulo and Lucia were determined to give their seven children a better life-one filled with possibility and promise. Not speaking a word of English, their sheer grit and a fierce belief in the American dream allowed them to embrace the unknown.
My mother was born in Buffalo New York, but her roots stretch all the way to Palermo Sicily where her parents, Antonio and Josephine, were born. They came to America in 1938, looking for a new chapter. It didn’t take long before fate stepped in. Meeting through their families, they married and had three children. In true Italian spirit, my grandparents started a construction company, literally from the ground up, brick by brick, proving that if you lay the proper foundation, you can build anything.
My parents, who met in high school, built a life together. They were fueled by the same ambition that my grandparents instilled in them to build something greater for their family, and with every obstacle they faced, their ambition only grew stronger.
While building a successful construction company and raising four kids, my parents made sure that love, home-cooked meals, and good food were always at the heart of our family life. Pasta was on the table several times a week, and every Sunday my dad’s sauce simmered for hours while my mom whipped up sides and her famous homemade crushed red pepper.
My love for cooking began with watching my parents turn simple, fresh ingredients into something unforgettable.
My love for cooking began with watching my parents turn simple, fresh ingredients into something unforgettable. As an adult, I noticed store-bought crushed red pepper was flavorless. So, I went back to my roots, drying peppers and making my own blend just like my mom. The difference was incredible. It transformed every dish, bringing out the flavors.
After my wife and I purchased our home in Los Angeles, I planted my own garden and started growing pepper plants—following in my parents’ footsteps to bring back and recapture that full, robust flavor. Dinner parties became a staple at the house. Guests couldn’t get enough of my crushed red pepper, always telling me I should start my own company so more people can experience the flavors they just experienced. They also always asked if they could have some extra crushed red pepper to take home. The outpouring of rave reviews made it clear: I needed to share my crushed red pepper with the world.
And here we are. I’m proud to present my Original Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, along with three new blends for you to enjoy. Nothing gives me greater joy than passing on my family’s traditions to my daughter as I teach her to cook. I'm happy to share that joy with you as well. I hope Crushed inspires you in the kitchen the way my parents inspired me.
To my Wife and Daughter,
Thank you for all your love and support. Nothing brings me greater joy than being a mom. You are my world.
All My Love,
Lisa
