Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Herhold.
Susan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have always had a passion for cooking. 9 Years ago, I went plant-based and while I still had teenagers at home, I knew I needed to start creating their favorite foods with plants. I began experimenting with all of my old recipes transforming them into plant-based comfort foods. I realized that there was a need for this type of food in my area and I in 2017, I started a meal service. This meal service quickly blossomed into a thriving business that led me to purchase a food truck in 2018. The opportunity to open the cafe in 2019 seemed like the perfect next step, With the help of my amazing son, we created a menu that not only vegans enjoy but omnivores as well.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Oh boy, no it has not been a smooth road by any means. It is challenging enough to be vegan in the Midwest but opening the brick-and-mortar right before a pandemic has brought many unforeseen struggles. Thanks to the support of our amazing customers, we have been able to keep our doors open. The transition of so many businesses to work from home on a permanent basis has greatly reduced the number of people in our area during lunch and early dinner hours. We are fortunate that so many people do make the drive, but we are searching for a second location to better serve the community.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Leaf and Seed Cafe?
The Leaf and Seed is a Vegan Comfort Food Cafe and Food truck. We specialize in plant-based comfort foods. We are best known for our Reubens, Biscuit Bowls, and our Nachos. We were the first all-vegan food truck and restaurant to open in the Toledo Area. I am most proud of the fact that I took the leap to open a vegan business in Northwest Ohio and that I have gained a very loyal following. I am proud that my employees feel like family and that we all strive to deliver a welcoming and loving environment to all that walk through our doors. I would like your readers to know that they don’t have to give up their favorite foods in order to eat a plant-based diet. We offer dine-in and carry out at our cafe. We cater and have a vegan bakery.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My advice is to talk to people, always have a business card with you, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or to ask for help.
Contact Info:
- Website: theleafandseed.com
- Instagram: @theleafandseed
- Facebook: @theleafandseed
