This is a sad moment for potheads everywhere. Arch West, who not only created Doritos, but also has one of the manliest names I’ve ever heard, passed away today from natural causes. He was an impressive 97-years-old. You heard it here first: eating Doritos extends your lifespan significantly.
But in all seriousness, let’s take a step back to examine the life of a man who permanently changed the snack game. West was recruited to be the VP of marketing for Frito Co. way back in 1960. He was on vacation in California when Frito merged with H.W. Lay & Co. in 1961, and that’s where the genius and former cheese salesman (not kidding) came up with the idea for the now-famous tortilla chips.
When he couldn’t sell the idea to the big-wigs back in Dallas, he began doing his own research and development. We can only assume that he got a bunch of rebellious teenagers stoned to see what they thought of the chip…the rest is history. Doritos became the first tortilla chip to be sold nationally, because everyone with the munchies loves Nacho Cheesier and Cool Ranch.
West wasn’t just famous for Doritos, though. He was close friends with Dave Pace of Pace Picante Sauce, which at that time wasn’t selling so well. It was West’s idea to have supermarkets stock the sauce near the chips, instead of in the ketchup aisle. There you go – the man not only created the best, most flavorful chip known to man, but is also responsible for putting the salsa next to the Tostitos. That’s some next-level shit right there.
Archie’s cremated remains will be buried October 1st, and his family plans to sprinkle Doritos over his urn (also, not kidding). Let’s all have a cheesy crunch in his honor. You will be missed Arch, but your greatest legacy will live on forever…with subsequent painfully sharp shits.
