As a child in Northern Africa, Anis Bennaman had never tasted hummus. That changed when he moved to the United States in 2005.
Today, his business, Baba Foods boasts a factory in San Diego, business with Costco, and five Southern California regional managers. The secret, he said, is a constantly changing blend of spices.
"My partner and I met this man who taught us how to make hummus, and when he moved to New York, he gave us the recipes," he said. "We added our own spices, and we change them all the time."
According to Bennaman, he sees thousands of customers a day at the local farmers markets, where he gives out free samples.
But the spices aren't Bennaman's only secret. Although he sells what he terms the 'best hummus in LA,' Bennaman confesses it isn't his favorite food.
"I don't like it," he said. "But as long as people still want it, we'll be making hummus forever."
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