Tootie’s was founded in 2019 by engaged citizens and vegans Sarah Speare, an award-winning food entrepreneur, and Barbara Fiore, a fermenter, gardener, long-time educator, and outdoor enthusiast.
They created Tootie’s Tempeh to model how food production can support local and sustainable agriculture, foster a more democratic economy, and eliminate single-use plastics— all while satisfying discerning tastes and not harming our animal friends.
Both previously worked together teaching people how to effect systems change towards a more equitable, humane, and sustainable future.
The eponymous Tootie was an early follower of Rachel Carson and Silent Spring, and often butted heads with town council members. She was authentic, unique, immensely talented in the arts, an entrepreneur, and mother to co-founder, Sarah Speare. Tootie was her nickname and the logo is of her smiling face along with her trademark sunglasses that she never took off.
