Nachos, a popular Mexican-American dish, got its name from its inventor, Ignacio "Nacho" Anaya. The story goes that the dish was created in the 1940s in the city of Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico, just across the border from Eagle Pass, Texas.
As the tale goes, a group of U.S. military wives stationed at Fort Duncan Air Base in Eagle Pass crossed the border to Piedras Negras for a shopping trip. When they arrived at the Victory Club, a popular restaurant, they found that the chef was not present. Ignacio Anaya, who was the maître d' at the time, stepped in to accommodate the unexpected guests.
Anaya quickly improvised by creating a simple but delicious snack using the ingredients available in the kitchen. He topped tortilla chips with shredded cheddar cheese and sliced jalapeño peppers. Anaya named the dish "Nachos Especiales" after his own nickname, "Nacho."
The dish gained popularity and eventually spread to other parts of the United States and beyond. Over time, variations of nachos have emerged, with additional toppings such as guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and various meats.
Today, nachos are enjoyed in a variety of forms and have become a staple appetizer or snack in many Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants worldwide. The name "nachos" has stuck, immortalizing Ignacio Anaya's spontaneous creation.