Simple Soyman was started in 1983 by Barb and RJ Gruenwald. Barb and RJ have a passion for healthy and environmentally conscious eating which inspired them to start Simple Soyman and later incorporate Bountiful Bean into their product line. Over the years they developed and sold over 20 items to restaurants, grocery stores and food co-ops throughout the Milwaukee and Madison areas in Wisconsin. Their tofu was the biggest seller, which is handmade with nigari and the herb tofu is unlike any other tofu available on the market.

In 2024 Barb and RJ were ready slow down and they stopped tofu production. They later stopped tempeh production in 2025 and are enjoying their well-deserved retirement. Jim Neumeyer, former owner of Beans & Barley, had grown to appreciate the quality of Simple Soyman products during his time at the restaurant and personally as a 30 year vegetarian. He purchased the company early in 2026 and is excited to get tofu and tempeh production rolling by spring. He’ll be adding in new products, some which might be recognizable from the Beans & Barley menu. A few of the former Simple Soyman employees will be returning to the lineup. We are excited to bring back this greatly missed company.

Soy to the word!