In 1975, David Merage co-founded Chef America, a national frozen food manufacturer known for inventing and marketing Hot Pockets©, Lean Pockets©, and Croissant Pockets©. David and brother, Paul, sold Chef America to Nestlé in 2002. Chef America is known for being one of the most successful food companies in the world.
After the sale of Chef America, David Merage founded Consolidated Investment Group (CIG), a Denver-based investment management company specializing in capital markets, and commercial real estate.
In 2013, David Merage received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, an award given to U.S. immigrants and native-born citizens who have made substantial contributions to American society. In receiving this prestigious award, David joined the ranks of distinguished medalists, including six United States presidents, Nobel Prize winners, and the leaders of industries, educations, the arts, and sports. As such, Governor John Hickenlooper proclaimed May 11th as “David Merage Day” in Colorado.