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  What We Believe
  
  At The Monkey's Lunchbox, we believe fresh baked goods and chocolates with no preservatives are the best. We add generous portions of chocolate, fruit and toppings to our products so you feel that you have spent your money well and have truly treated yourself. We operate from a private licensed commercial kitchen in Smithville, Bastrop County, Texas.
  
  
  
  In The Beginning
  
  Martin Ruiz started cooking when he was 8 and baking when he was 19. Martin's been known as the Monkey since his boyhood interest in the flying monkeys of Oz. Both as a kid and later as adult, at school and work, the Monkey's lunchbox was always full of great things to eat. The interest people showed in his homemade food eventually led to the creation of his buisiness. The first version of the Monkey's Lunchbox opened in 2002 as a lunch restaurant to continue a family tradition of fresh, delicious food made from scratch with the best ingredients available.
  
  In 2004, Martin began focusing on baked goods and selling at local farmer's markets in Austin and the surrounding areas. In 2006, he began looking for business partners so he could maintain an interest in The Monkey's Lunchbox while also addressing other projects that had long interested him.
  
  
  
  Introducing Zach
  
  Zach's interest in baking started when his mom was diagnosed with a wheat allergy. As it turns out he and his brothers were also allergic to wheat. Zach started experimenting with baking family favorites using spelt flour instead of wheat and found he really enjoyed baking. In March of 2006 he started working for Martin at The Monkey's Lunchbox.
  
  Because of Zach's demonstrated skills and maturity, in July of 2006, Martin asked him to consider taking on the primary day-to-day activities of the business and become an active decision-maker in the venture so Martin could pursue other interests. Zach was thrilled! He started baking and working at the farmer's market. One Saturday, there was notice posted that announced Whole Foods was holding a local vendor fair. Although Zach was currently baking wheat products, he thought Whole Foods would be an great place to try his spelt items.
  
  Several weeks went by when the news finally came. He was invited to the workshop! Martin and Zach's Dad Randy took him to the workshop. Things started moving fast. A representative from Whole Foods Market came to inspect the kitchen and got things rolling. Soon Zach had many decisions to make including how the labels would look, prices, packaging and what the first items would be.
  
  January 7, 2007 was the day of the first deliveries to Whole Foods Market. All items are baked and quickly delivered the next day to ensure freshness. Only the best butter, organic spelt flour and local farm fresh eggs are used. No preservatives or additives. Ever. The Monkey's Lunchbox wouldn't have it any other way.
  
  
  
  
  
  In the news...
  
  Read about us at the market on Comal Street.