I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Mary Frances Darby Meads, but my friends call me Darby, and I am the sole proprietor of "DARBY's Famous Homemade Salsa".

Growing up in San Angelo, Texas, salsa and Tostitos chips were a common every day "snack". I started making this "snack" for my family in 1996. From March 1998 through April 2000, while I was stationed at Lajes Air Field, Azores, I created what is now known as "DARBY's Famous Homemade Salsa". During my time in the Azores, I brought my salsa to various sports activities, events, and tournaments in which my children and I participated. Friends enjoyed the salsa and encouraged me to make the salsa to sell. One thing lead to another and in 1999, I began a home based business, selling quart size jars of salsa. I also donated batches of salsa and bags of chips to different organizations for fund-raisers sponsored at the base (for re-sale, in order to raise money for their squadron). Additionally, I participated in base sponsored craft fairs in the Spring and Fall. During the Fall craft fair, in November 1999, and the Spring craft fair, in March 2000, I had a booth where I sold my standard quart jars, as well as, pint jars, glass collectible bowls filled with salsa, and disposable bowls of chips and salsa. For both fairs I made approximately 65 quarts jars, 25 pint jars, and 25 glass collectible bowls of each flavor. By participating in the craft fairs, sales increased to a level that required making up to five batches of salsa (10 - 16 pint jars, depending on the flavor, per batch) daily.

In May 2000, I moved to Florida and acquired a Retail/Peddler - Okaloosa County Occupational License, Home Occupation Authorization, Okaloosa County Planning and Inspection Permit, Food Handler's Certification, and Commercial General Liability Insurance. I mail and deliver my salsa to many states on a regular basis, and have even mailed it overseas. Periodically I participate in the Gulf Breeze, Florida Outdoor Flea Market and many craft fairs and festivals within the local area.

In the summer of 2001, I composed my 1st Edition Cookbook, which features forty (40) recipes which include appetizers, breakfast dishes, soups, entrees, and side dishes. Each recipe is enhanced with my salsa. The growing popularity of my recipes and salsa compelled me to open a Specialty Store and Café.

On March 4, 2002, I acquired a Restaurant/Lounge License, Okaloosa County, Florida Business, Professional, and Occupational License, and a Food Permit and opened the doors of "Darby's Famous Homemade Salsa - Specialty Store and Café", located at 433 Page Bacon Road, Mary Esther, FL 32569. Open Monday through Friday. With the increasing popularity of my café, I composed my 2nd Edition Cookbook in the fall of 2003.

My Specialty Store offers homemade desserts, snacks - including gum, candy, chips, and soda, and of course Darby's Famous Homemade Salsa, Fiesta Gift Baskets, and my 1st & 2nd Edition Cookbooks.  

The Café offers recipes out of my cookbooks, served 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Monday - Thursday and 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Friday. These recipes range from unique Mexican dishes to flavor filled American fare. You create your meal, choose your entree, served a la carte with a salad or with your choice of two side dishes and a salad. Also available are soups and appetizers. A menu is provided on the Specialty Store and Café page of this website.

For different gift giving ideas, Fiesta Gift Baskets are available. Choose from the standard style or custom design your own. Ranging from a starter basket to a full dinner, margarita, BBQ, housewarming, card games, dominos, or sports basket. Contents vary with size and style of basket and may fluctuate due to availability. Prices vary depending on selected items and basket size. Available in the local area upon request or within 24 hours. Baskets sell for $15.00 - $55.00 depending on size. Orders that are to be shipped, allow three - four weeks for delivery. There is an additional handling charge of $5.95 and shipping charges are based on current UPS rates at time of shipping.

Suggested items for the baskets include: pint jars of salsa, glass or plastic bowls, flour tortillas, taco shells, pinto beans, canned refried beans, rice, enchilada sauce, taco or fajita mix, margarita mix, margarita salt, margarita glasses, picnic items, spoons, salt, and filler; wrapped in plastic and tied with a bow, holiday ornament, or ribbon.

Filler options for Fiesta Gift Baskets include: small sporting equipment - team logo items, small toys and trinkets, stuffed animals, housewarming items, BBQ items, and holiday toys or ornaments. Filler may fluctuate due to availability.

Specialty filler items may be suggested for an additional charge.

"DARBY's Famous Homemade Salsa" is prepared in a health certified kitchen with fresh vegetables and seasoning and is made at a mild, medium, hot, extra hot, or extreme hot flavor. It is packaged in vacuumed sealed quart and pint size jars; labeled with the product name, flavor, ingredients, and an address for questions or comments, and is usually available upon request or within 24 hours. The quart jars sell for $6.50 each and the pint jars sell for $4.50 each. Shipped by the case only. Each case contains 12 jars. Purchase 11 jars at regular price and receive the 12th jar free.

My goal is to have "DARBY's Famous Homemade Salsa" available in supermarkets and restaurants, both domestic and internationally.

I am currently and have always been the sole person making this product. I must, however, give recognition to my husband, Johnny, a former National Football League linebacker for the then Houston Oilers, now a scout for the Tennessee Titans, and our two daughters, Brittney and Andrea, who help with the café, craft fairs, flea markets, and festivals in which I participate. As well as, showing me that a small "snack", when shared with others, can be enjoyed so much, by so many. I express my gratitude to each and every person who believed in my endeavor and me.

Orders may be taken via telephone at 1-850-301-0998 or 1-850-598-7272, email address darby@whycertainly.net, or by filling out the order form from the link below. If you have any questions or would like additional information regarding this product, please do not hesitate to contact me at the above sources, or mail your comments to:

Darby Meads
9419 Pine Lilly Court
Navarre, FL 32566

Don't forget, our café is available for private parties and catering.
For more information or to schedule your party or catering
call 1- 850-598-7272
e-mail: darby@whycertainly.net

Due to a serious automobile accident The Café has closed.
Upon recovery it will reopen at a new location.
My dearest apologies.
God Bless - Darby