Chef Bobby Flay just found a way to make a business update feel deeply personal; and make us all a little emotional.
The Food Network staple recently shared a charming slideshow featuring his late cat, Nacho, and yep, it’s exactly as sweet as it sounds. The post wasn’t just a trip down memory lane, though. It also doubled as a major announcement for his cat food brand, Made by Nacho. And let’s be real; if you’re going to drop big news, doing it with adorable throwback photos of a beloved pet is the way to go.
Nacho, a fluffy orange Maine Coon who passed away in October 2023 at just 9 years old, has always been at the heart of Flay’s pet-focused company. So bringing him back into the spotlight (even in memory) just feels right.
A Full-Circle Moment for Made by Nacho
For anyone who’s been following along, Made by Nacho has been a passion project for Flay since 2019. Created alongside vet Dr. Katja Lang, the brand focuses on premium, cat-specific nutrition… think wet food, dry food, toppers, and treats that prioritize hydration and high-quality proteins.
Now, the brand is leveling up. “I’m excited to share the big news that @madebynacho has merged with @iandloveandyoupet to bring us even closer to Nacho’s original goal of feeding every cat out there,” Flay wrote in his post.
He didn’t stop there. “Made by Nacho broke new ground in the world of cat food, giving cats and their parents the attention they deserve. We’re excited to join forces with ‘I and Love and You’ for this next chapter,” he continued. “Both brands believe in the same things: better ingredients, purposeful nutrition, and raising the flavor bar for pets. Together, the brands will have a bigger platform to serve cat parents even better food options. Nacho would be proud.”
And honestly? That last line hits. Hard.
Fans (and Famous Friends) Show the Love
Of course, the comments section quickly turned into a mini celebration of Nacho’s legacy… and the brand’s next chapter.
Gourmet cookie brand milk&Co. kept it short and iconic with, “Long live king nacho 👏❤️.” Meanwhile, doctor and Lume deodorant creator Shannon Klingman chimed in with, “Well done! That process isn’t easy. ❤️”
Fans followed suit, and it seems like everyone had the same energy: equal parts excited and nostalgic.
“Woohoo!!!! We miss and love nacho!!” one person wrote, while another added, “It’s beautiful cat. 🥰” (simple, but effective). Others leaned into the hype: “Even more awesomeness 🙌👏” and “Nacho Flay 😍 Coolest ever.”
One comment really summed it up, though: “Congratulations to you and Nacho. Nacho was one of a kind. We miss him and my three fur babies love this stuff.”
And then there was fellow chef Stephanie Izard, who popped in with a glowing review of her own: “My kittens love @madebynacho ❤️❤️❤️”
So yes, the brand clearly has fans. The four-legged kind and their humans.
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GettyKeeping Nacho’s Legacy Alive
At its core, this isn’t just about a merger or a business move. It’s about honoring the cat that started it all.
Bobby Flay could’ve announced this collaboration in a standard press release and called it a day. Instead, he chose to spotlight Nacho; the personality, the inspiration, the heart behind the brand. And that choice says a lot.
It seems like Made by Nacho isn’t just growing… it’s evolving in a way that still keeps its original mission front and center. Better ingredients, thoughtful nutrition, and, most importantly, a genuine love for cats.
And if the comment section is any indication, Nacho’s impact isn’t going anywhere.
Yep, you read that right. A cat built a legacy; and we’re absolutely here for it.
Fans can catch Bobby Flay on his hit show, “Beat Bobby Flay,” when it returns from hiatus April 16, 2026 at 9:00pm ET on Food Network, streaming next day on HBO Max.
