This San Fernando Valley landmark was founded in 1970 by four vegetarian partners who couldn’t envision owning a business that sold meat. Consequently, you won’t find any meat, poultry, or fish on their product list. Then in 1988 two of the partners founded the Earth Island product line and began making eggless mayonnaise and salad dressing and “Vegan Gourmet” soy-based cheeses, including mozzarella and nacho. “It actually melts like real cheese!” rhapsodized one reviewer. The cheese is not only for sale in the store but also appears in the vegetarian fare served in the adjoining café, where diners rave about the eggless omelettes. While the store hasn’t updated its groovy looks much since the 1970s, only adding to its charm. both the store and the Earth Island kitchen are solar-powered, which is Follow Your Heart’s way of demonstrating its leadership in the ethical, social, and environmental responsibilities of operating a business.
TakePart Tastemakers: Follow Your Heart Natural Foods Market & Cafe
Photo: TakePart
