At the age of twenty-five, after traveling the world extensively for seven years, Ruth Tal returned to Toronto intending to attend university. Instead, after being inspired by the growing trend of juice bars and healthy eating south of the border, Ruth created Juice for Life. She dreamed of opening a vegan food and juice bar where people would feel accepted and satisfied no matter what their lifestyle or eating preferences. Ruth’s mission was to challenge the stereotype that vegan food was bland or boring and instead established the notion that it’s hip to be healthy.Putting this dream to paper, Ruth dropped out of university to open her first location, a seasonal fresh-pressed juice bar, at the famed Bamboo Club patio in 1992. As her small business grew, she moved to a permanent location, across from CITYTV, where she developed the signature juices and dishes that formed the core of the Juice for Life concept. In 1995 Ruth opened her first 50-seat vegan restaurant and juice bar on Bloor Street, and in 1998 opened the 60-seat Queen Street Café location, realizing her dream to reach more people and provide them with delicious, modern, healthy plant-based cuisine. By 1999, the company had outgrown its name, and Juice for Life was re-invented as Fresh.With 10 locations and more on the way, both Ruth and Fresh have received numerous awards and media coverage over the years including 'Best Vegetarian' from Toronto press and on the Food Network’s “Best of” show as Best Juice Bar in North America' and named one of the top 20 most influential restaurants in Toronto by Now Magazine. Ruth Tal / Young Notable 2015 Entrepreneur – “Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur was one of the first to introduce vegan dining, juicing, and plant-based menus to Toronto 25 years ago, and subsequently launched what has become a staple for young professionals across the city”. Ruth Tal of Fresh Restaurants ranked 22nd among Canada's Top Female Entrepreneurs by PROFIT/Chatelaine Magazine’s W100.Top Ten Celebrated Canadians, WWF 2015Ruth was chosen as one of ten celebrated Canadians of distinction to give an inspirational speech at the televised charity event for the World Wildlife Fund.PROFIT 500 Canadian Business Award, 2015 Ruth Tal’s Fresh was ranked 55th in the 27th annual PROFIT 500 Canadian Business ranking of Canada¹s Fastest-Growing Companies, with a 5-year revenue growth rate of 103%.In keeping with her philosophy of sharing her knowledge and inspiring people to eat well and juice at home, Ruth Tal has co-authored 5 National Best-Selling Vegan Cookbooks.