A Family Legacy Baked Into Every Bite

When you taste something from Elizabeth’s Food Company, you’re not just enjoying a snack—you’re taking a bite out of over a century of family tradition. Our story began in 1987 in the charming seaside town of Cambria, California, where my parents, Elizabeth and Peter Bastasch, started baking bagel chips in the basement of our home. What started as a small operation grew into something much bigger, but the heart of the company has always been the same: family, tradition, and an uncompromising dedication to quality.

But let’s rewind even further—because the roots of Elizabeth’s Food Company go back long before 1987.

1910s: A Family’s Journey Begins

In the early 1900s, our ancestors emigrated from Europe to the United States, bringing with them a deep love for baking and a collection of old-world recipes. They settled in Portland, Oregon, where they opened a small bakery that became a cornerstone of the community. Back then, horse-drawn carriages delivered freshly baked bread to loyal customers every morning—a far cry from today’s fast-paced world, but a reminder of the values that still guide us.

For generations, those recipes and techniques were passed down, along with a belief that baking is more than just a trade—it’s an art. My parents grew up steeped in this tradition, and when they decided to launch their own business decades later, they knew they were carrying forward something much bigger than themselves.

1987: The Birth of Elizabeth’s Food Company

Elizabeth and Peter started Elizabeth’s Food Company with little more than a dream and a whole lot of grit. Picture this: bagel chips being baked by hand in the basement of our family home, the smell of toasted bread filling the air, and my parents pouring every ounce of their energy into perfecting each batch.

Before long, their hard work paid off. Local stores started stocking their products, and eventually, big-name retailers like Price Club (now Costco) came knocking. From bagel chips, they expanded into croutons and stuffing, earning a loyal following of California food lovers.

1992: Pioneers in Organic Baking

One of the proudest milestones in our history came in 1992, when Elizabeth’s Food Company became the first to offer certified organic croutons and stuffing. For my mom, this wasn’t just a business decision—it was personal. She believed that the food we eat should be as wholesome and natural as possible, the kind of food she wanted her own kids to grow up with.

This move wasn’t just ahead of its time; it was trailblazing. It set the tone for what the company would become: a leader in the natural foods market with a commitment to health, sustainability, and quality.

Today: A Legacy That Endures

Fast forward to today, and Elizabeth’s Food Company is thriving in a state-of-the-art facility in Los Angeles, California. While the company has grown and evolved, the values my parents built it on remain the same. Every product, from our classic bagel chips to our newest line of retail snacks, is made with the same care and attention to detail that defined my family’s first bakery over a century ago.

When you bring Elizabeth’s Food Company to your table, you’re bringing a piece of our family’s history with you—a history of resilience, innovation, and love baked into every bite.

Here’s to continuing the journey, one delicious bite at a time.

With love and pride,
Maria Bastasch