How often do you want to grab something fast to eat, but struggle to find a healthy option? It happens to me all the time, especially since I moved from New York City to North Carolina (sidenote: even in NYC lots of things appear to be healthy, but are not actually that healthy). Hellllllooooo Grabbagreen, a new chain of fast casual restaurants that are ACTUALLY healthy!!! Think organic, non-GMO, nothing processed, naturally gluten free, no preservatives, local, fresh pressed juice and on and on! The company was started in Arizona and is spreading across the country through franchise. Lucky for the rest of us!
I sat down with Julie Trindel, who is set to open 34 Grabbagreen locations on the East Coast, with the first being in Greensboro, North Carolina (woohoo!!!!). Julie and her husband ate at a Grabbagreen in Scottsdale and knew right away that they needed to bring the concept to the East Coast, especially the Carolinas.
“The taste was most important for me. So often food that is healthy doesn’t taste great and food that tastes great isn’t healthy. I am happy to say this is not the case with Grabbagreen!”-Julie Trindel
We asked Julie to give us her perfect day of eating at Grabbagreen and here’s what she told us…
Pre or post-Gym-Power PB&J smoothie or Wellness juice
Breakfast – The Mango Bowl or Sweet Quinoa Cakes
Lunch – Moroccan Mac and Cheese and coconut water
Snack – Cococabana Acai Cup
Dinner – Home with my husband and kids, focusing on REAL food and lots of veggies
We can’t wait to try Grabbagreen for ourselves and will report back with our LivLight favorites soon. In the meantime, hope you will read on for the rest of my interview with Julie to learn more about Grabbagreen and check them out at www.grabbagreen.com.
Interview with Julie Trindel-Owner of Grabbagreen (East Coast)
We are so excited for a healthy new chain of fast-casual restaurants on the East Coast!! How did you learn about Grabbagreen and why did you decide to franchise it?
We were visiting Scottsdale, AZ and went in to try it out. After one visit, we knew right away that we wanted to bring this concept to the East Coast, especially the Carolinas.
What challenges have you faced in starting this new endeavor and how have you overcome them?
No challenges with regard to our product or operations. We did have several challenges finding good, available real estate, and in the actual construction of the store.
What should we expect from Grabbagreen…how healthy is it really and how does everything taste?
The taste was most important for me. So often, food that is healthy doesn’t taste great and food that tastes great isn’t healthy. I am happy to say this is not the case with Grabbagreen! The food will be as fresh as can be (coming from four North and South Carolina farms), GMO free, gluten free, preservative free and hormone free. All proteins are steamed to avoid carcinogens, unnecessary oils and other contaminants generally present in other forms of cooking. In addition, you will find ZERO processed food in our stores!
What are the special features of Grabbagreen that set it apart from other healthy restaurants?
What sets us apart is out dedication to eating 100% clean, whole foods. You will not find processed foods such as soda, bread, crackers, etc. at any of our stores.
What do you do to stay fit and which Grabbagreen menu items will you use to prepare for workouts or refuel post-workout?
I am a huge fan of PURE BARRE! I try to get there 4-5 days a week and look forward to having a Grabbagreen fresh juice or smoothie after each workout. My favorite smoothie is the Power PB&J, which includes whole organic peanuts and fresh strawberries as opposed to processed jelly and peanut butter. It is so YUM and tastes amazingly fresh! My favorite juice is “Wellness,” which is made fresh with carrots, apple, strawberry and lemon.
For those readers looking to take the leap and follow their dream of a career change or starting a new business, what advice would you offer them?
Don’t be afraid to take risks! With great risk, comes great reward! Believe in yourself!
Owning your own business can often be all-consuming. How do you incorporate self-care into your daily or weekly routine?
I’m a big believer in taking care of yourself and that putting your own health and wellness first is the secret to not only success, but true happiness.
Finally, when do you expect to open your first location and what cities are up next for Grabbagreen?
We hope to be open in Greensboro on or around September 30, 2016 and should have Grabbagreen locations open in Raleigh, Charlotte and Greensboro by the end of 2016!