TOMA formally launched in June 2024, co-founded by actress Sof\u00eda Vergara<\/a><\/strong> (Modern Family) and her son, Manolo Gonz\u00e1lez Vergara<\/a><\/strong>, in partnership with hospitality veteran Sam Nazarian. In theory, it\u2019s a parent-kid labor of love meant to bring \u201cthe best of Latin cuisine to the world.\u201d The name \u201cTOMA<\/a><\/strong>\u201d cleverly merges their nicknames, \u201cTo ty\u201d (Sof\u00eda) and \u201cManolo,\u201d and nods to the Spanish verb \u201ctomar\u201d (meaning to take or to drink).<\/p>\n That branding checkmark is neat, but what matters is the food. The core products rolling out under TOMA are:<\/p>\n Each item is also sold frozen\u2014primarily to restaurants and, later, retail outlets\u2014so you\u2019re not dealing with a made-to-order mom-and-pop setup. Instead, TOMA\u2019s lineup is mass-produced (albeit at what they claim is a \u201csmall-batch\u201d facility), shipped to partner restaurants, frozen-food distributors (such as Sysco and US Foods), and select grocery chains, including Walmart.<\/p>\n While the website\u2019s store locator<\/a><\/strong> is down, I was able to get my hands on the beef and chicken empanadas at a Miami Walmart<\/a><\/strong> and the Croquetas at a Farm Stores in Westchester<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n That said, there is a place for convenience, especially if you can find frozen croquetas and pan de bono that taste like a grandma\u2019s kitchen. Let\u2019s break down whether TOMA lives up to those expectations.<\/p>\n I\u2019ll get straight to it: TOMA is a polished, celebrity-backed convenience brand that delivers better than good enough frozen croquetas, empanadas, and pan de bono, particularly if you need something quick for a party or a busy weeknight. And while it\u2019s not a fair comparison, it won\u2019t replace the charm, flavor, or craft of a bakery or restaurant that makes these items fresh daily.<\/p>\n NOTE:<\/strong> I have not tried the Pan de Bono yet.<\/p>\n Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n In short, TOMA succeeds at being perfect for time-pressed consumers who want a \u201cLatin\u201d snack without sourcing a specialty bakery. But if you genuinely care about tasting an authentic Cuban croqueta<\/a><\/strong> or a true Colombian pan de bono\u2014complete with the right cheese tang, airy crumb, and crisp shell\u2014you\u2019ll be better served by a local shop.<\/p>\n As someone who\u2019s been writing about burgers, croquetas, sandwiches, and comfort food since 2008, I can appreciate the appeal of mass-market frozen snacks. They fill a niche for quick, crowd-pleasing appetizers. But TOMA isn\u2019t creating a new category, it\u2019s stepping into a semi-crowded space with a celebrity stamp and polished branding. If you expect something groundbreaking, you\u2019ll likely be let down.<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve never had a croqueta, empanada, or pan de bono made fresh, you might want to find a local hole-in-the-wall first. Once you get your senses calibrated, then, if you want convenience, pick up a package of TOMA\u2019s offerings. Just don\u2019t mistake the convenience for authenticity\u2014or pay the celebrity surcharge and expect miracle-level flavor.<\/p>\n One last comment about TOMA; I\u2019m hooked on the chicken in salsa verde empanadas. I throw them in an air fryer and whip up a cafe con leche while I wait to round out my breakfast.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nA Quick TOMA History Lesson (So You Know What You\u2019re Getting)<\/h2>\n
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Why I Roll My Eyes at Celebrity Food Brands<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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So, Is TOMA Worth the Hype?<\/h2>\n
![\"Toma](\"https:\/\/burgerbeast.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Farm-Stores-Toma-Croquetas.jpg\")
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Croquetas ($6.86) and Pandebono ($5.48) at Walmart.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nFinal Thoughts:<\/strong><\/h2>\n