Back then the natural foods industry was in its infancy and now, as it grows closer to maturity, natural foods have become an integral part of the American food shoppers’ experience. How and where The Bridge fits into this panoramic view is the purpose of my words to you now. Back in the mid 70’s a community began to form in the Middletown area. Based in part around the Good Harvest Food Cooperati
ve folks also came to begin studying macrobiotic cooking and philosophy with two of the founders of The Bridge, William and Joan Spear. Their teaching and the relationships that grew out of their work in the community made our business possible. The third member of the founding group, Roberto Marrocchessi arrived from Italy by way of Boston and Cleveland where he had learned an essential skill, how to make tofu. Along the way a great many folks have spent time with us, working, learning and moving on. A few of us have made it our livelihood and believe the market is better served by that choice. Certainly for all of us here no roster would be complete without acknowledging the support, teaching and inspiration of Michio and Aveline Kushi. Without them, would any of us be here? Originally The Bridge was designed to serve the local community with fresh tofu, seitan and other foods we were using regularly. However it soon became clear that not only could The Bridge serve a larger market but it would have to in order to continue. It was not without some kind of divine intervention that all of us ended up in Middletown. It is, after all, in the middle of Connecticut and halfway between New York and Boston. And so, distribution began. Fast forward to the present and the stores are bigger and more beautiful, they offer a vast product mix and are visited by folks from all walks of life. Our products are in most of those stores and are being chosen by a great many of those people, but they still look the same, taste the same and, most importantly (we think) are still made the same way. The quality of hand made freshness that is the hallmark of our products continues to inspire many in their search for high quality natural foods. Each product is made from outstanding ingredients in a richly restored tradition; slowly by hand, fresh to order, by people – not machines. When you eat products made by The Bridge, you’ll notice they taste different from others you may have tried. They possess a remarkable and delicious depth of flavor. There is a difference in how you feel as well, because all of the food we make is alive. That is the most important thing we do. Many Thanks,
Stephen Lapenta
Owner and President
01/25/2025
