The person behind the roaster

California’s Delicious Nuts is a Long Beach story—and so is Mario.

Born and raised in Long Beach, Mario attended Millikan High School, where he was the wrestling champion and played football, and later attended California State University, Long Beach. His connection to the city runs deep, and he is proud to be building his business in the community that helped shape him.

Mario’s path into the nut business began unexpectedly. While working at a jewelry store, he would see the same nut kiosk operating outside each day. He developed a friendship with its owner and eventually began working alongside him. Mario learned the business from the ground up—not only how to make and sell the products, but also what it takes to keep the operation running. Then the opportunity came to take the next step: Mario bought the business and made it his own.

But Mario’s road to this point wasn’t always easy. He struggled with addiction and is now proudly in recovery. He shares that part of his story so people who may be struggling—and the loved ones hoping they will find their way through—know there is hope. Mario found that hope through treatment at Tarzana Treatment Centers. Recovery is possible, even when it may not feel that way. A difficult chapter does not have to be the end of the story.

“I only wish I had gotten clean sooner, because I didn’t know life could be this good.”

Today, California’s Delicious Nuts represents more than a business. It is part of the life Mario worked hard to rebuild: rooted in friendship, perseverance, second chances and the Long Beach community he has always called home.