Behind the counter

Our staff combines years of
experience from around the world
to create the delectables for which
Turtle Bread is well-known. Here’s the
inside scoop on some of the folks who work their
“buns” off every day to knock your socks off:

Head Baker Solveig Tofte

Solveig Tofte grew up in Tofte, MN, and came of age in Minneapolis. After earning her bachelor’s degree from the University of California-Santa Cruz and spending some time working in computer software in Silicon Valley, Tofte made the decision to devote her energy full-time to becoming an artisan baker. She attended culinary school in San Franciso, and upon graduation was employed by Turtle Bread, where she has worked ever since. In 2008, she was selected by The Bread Bakers Guild of America to compete on Team USA at the World Cup of Bread (Coup de Monde de la Boulangerie) in Paris.

Owner Harvey McLain

In 1996, Harvey opened the doors of the Turtle Bread Company with one thing in mind: produce the highest-quality, best tasting artisan breads in the world. Since that fateful day, Harvey has broadened the offerings at the Turtle, added several new locations, and launched three new restaurants--yet maintained the reputation for quality and taste that has been Turtle Bread Company's mark of distinction for over a decade.

Why “Turtle Bread”?

Because great bread takes time.

Since 1994, we’ve been taking our time to hand-craft flavorful artisan breads, pastries, soups, cookies and pies. We’ve branched out along the way - expanding to include a woodfire pizza restaurant, a French bistro, and a rustic Italian café – all the while maintaining our dedication to fresh, flavorful food served in a welcoming neighborhood environment.

We love that we’re the kind of place our customers visit to enjoy a weekend breakfast with their families, to pick up some cheese and fresh bread after work to serve to dinner guests, to feast on a romantic candlelit anniversary dinner, or to simply treat themselves to a piece of delicious pie made from scratch.

We hope you’ll visit us soon!