It is the co-op’s vision to support and strengthen community connections with our local producers — so here are their stories! In this Meet Your Producer series, we will highlight our neighborhood farmers, ranchers and producers so you can see and hear what they’re all about.
Central Soyfoods
Tim and Tracy Quillin
Lawrence, KS
About the Producers
After 25 years as a chef, including managing The Merc Co+op kitchen in the 2000s, Tim Quillin decided it was time for a change. He joined the small team at Central Soyfoods and, when the opportunity arose, he and his wife Tracy bought the company in 2024. They are continuing the legacy of a family-owned business which has operated here in Lawrence since 1978.
For Tim, it meant a refreshing change of pace.
“As a chef, you’re drawn in a million directions. I enjoy the narrow focus now, doing one thing well. I know how I want the flavor and can work towards a better balance, a better experience,” he said.
Tim and Tracy saw the opportunity as a way to serve the community by keeping a local, high-quality and affordable product available. “How lucky are we? Locally-made tofu is not a thing in every college town, ” said Tracy.
About the Tofu
Central Soyfoods produces the three varieties of Nigari tofu: firm, smoked and hot chili. Nigari is the traditional mineral coagulant derived from seawater, used for centuries in Japan and Asia to make tofu with a distinct smooth, uniform texture. The process starts with soaking the soybeans overnight, then grinding, boiling and straining the soybeans to separate out soy milk. The nigari curdles the mixture, and the curds are placed into molds and and pressed to form blocks.
Ingredients are sourced from the Midwest whenever possible, though finding suppliers can be a challenge since Central Soyfoods is committed to using only non-GMO soybeans. “It’s difficult for farmers to transition to non-GMO production, especially when we’re ordering pallets vs. trucks of ingredients,” said Tim.
Today Central Soyfoods supplies over 20 grocery stores and restaurants with fresh tofu. They’ve also joined the Lawrence Farmers Market this year with a few, limited edition flavors.
“We have some regulars, and everyone has been welcoming. A lot of younger folks are really into it and excited to explore and try new things. Some stop by to just thank us,” said Tim.
For Tracy, one of the biggest strengths of their product is its value.
“Tofu is a great, affordable protein option - especially as meat prices go higher, “ said Tracy.
And for folks unfamiliar with cooking with tofu, Tim has some advice. ”Don’t overthink it - just try it! I cube it up, coat it in rice flour and pan fry it for stir fry. Then it’s ready for sauce. It’s crispy, it’s unique, you just need to insert flavor. Social media has a library of recipes you can see and try.”
New to tofu? Try the co-op’s grab and go Curry Tofu and Sweet Chili Tofu, made in house with Central Soyfoods tofu!