Meet the Chef

Chef Matt Toomey 

All Chefs dream of owning their own restaurant, but that dream is never handed out. It’s earned. For Chef Matt Toomey, the journey started the same way it does for many in the culinary world: with miles on his feet, washing dishes, prepping ingredients, working the line, and learning every inch of the industry the hard way.

With more than 35 years in professional kitchens, Chef Toomey put in the time, exerted the effort, and demonstrated the passion to earn his place. 

Most people first came to know him as the chef at the Mobil Gas Station at the entrance of Yosemite National Park, where he cooked for 16 years. What began as a small sandwich counter grew into a destination so unique that Gourmet Magazine (October 2002) named it one of the most interesting restaurants in the world. It later landed national recognition on the Food Network with Al Roker. His dishes, crafted with bold flavors and fresh ingredients, defied expectations of what a roadside eatery could be. He wasn’t just feeding travelers; he was giving them a culinary experience worth the journey. 

Even with success, Chef Toomey was never satisfied working for someone else. The next step led him to Mammoth Lakes, California, where he opened his own restaurant, Toomey’s, a name known and loved throughout the Eastern Sierras. It wasn’t just a place to eat—it was a destination. Today, his menu reflects his journey, a blend of rustic mountain comfort and refined creativity. 

Where Toomey’s Seasoning Was Born 

Through decades of cooking, one thing became clear: Guests didn’t just love the food, they loved the flavor. Many would ask: 

“What Seasoning do you use?” 

“Can I buy it?” 

“Can I take some home?” 

Eventually, Chef Toomey took what made his dishes stand out and turned it into something everyone could experience at home—Toomey’s Seasoning, a handcrafted blend developed over years of real cooking in real kitchens with real customer love. 

Authentic. Simple. Built from experience. 

From the gas station to the Food Network to family kitchens everywhere, this is the flavor that earned its way.