Mr. Jimmy has never been a stranger to hard work.  In the old days he would work to help his mother with money.  Jimmy would walk down to the old Falstaff Brewery.  There, even though he was a young boy the men would let him help them by loading or unloading the beer trucks.  Then, they would pay him a few dollars which he would bring home to his mother. 

     Jimmy was only two when his father drown in the Parish Line Canal back of Kenner after falling from his boat when he had a heart attack.  Because of this Jimmy was very close to his mother and being all Italian she loved to cook.  Many a day, found young Jimmy in the kitchen, it was at his mom's side that he developed his love of cooking. 

     After serving in the Navy, he became a Jefferson Parish Fireman.  Most of the time, when not fighting fires Jimmy would cook for himself and the crew during the 24 hour shifts.  It was during this time that Jimmy began making hot tamales.

     When he retired he and his wife, Margaret, who he calls "Margarite" continued to make Jimmy's tamales.   As word spread about how good they were, it wasn't long before more and more people were asking for them.  Now after over 30 years of tamale making Jimmy & Margaret asked their daughter, Jaime Jenkins to set up a company.  Jaime, co-owner and manager, has now successfully set up "Margarite's Hot Tamales."

     The company, overseen by Jaime and Margaret, is located in Folsom, Louisiana.  It is a state inspected commercial plant built by Jaime's husband, Andy Jenkins.

      Margarite's Hot Tamales can now be found both North and South of Lake Ponchartrain and thru out Louisiana.  You will find them in stores such as Dorignac Foods, Zuppardo's Supermarket, Danny & Clydes, Piggly Wiggly Supermarkets, also several local restaurants and bars.

     And yes, Jimmy is still working delivering & selling his hot tamales.