Back in the early 1970s, Toby was a single, working mom who was determined to make simple, healthy recipes her whole family could enjoy. She had the extra challenge of having a child with severe food allergies and healthy options were limited.

As Toby shared her food at family gatherings, with friends, and at the local Eugene Saturday Market, word spread, and more and more people wanted a taste. Toby focused on simple ingredients, prepared fresh, with a vegetarian emphasis. After perfecting her recipes at home, Toby and her family began selling tofu at the Eugene Saturday Market in 1978. Word of her delicious vegetarian offerings at their booth, The Tofu Palace, spread quickly.

As orders quickly outpaced production in her home kitchen, Toby moved to a larger facility and quickly expanded her retail product line. But her inspiration always came from feeding her family with love!

Discover one of Toby’s original creations, that’s still a family and customer favorite. 

Friends and family, we are saddened to share the news of Toby passing.

Toby Alves passed away peacefully on July 4, 2022 after a lengthy journey with metastatic breast cancer. She was 74 years old. Toby was a hard working mom and a true pioneer in natural foods.

During her retirement, Toby was able to focus on other passions in her life; spending time with her grandchildren, gardening, and floral arranging. She loved her family, friends, and community and our lives are all the richer having been cared for and nourished by this incredible woman. She will be forever remembered.