Today we’d like to introduce you to Elena Pezzo.
Several years ago, Elena found herself living the daily grind of corporate America at a high-powered job in New York City. Mainly focused on her career, and maintaining an unhealthy lifestyle, she soon realized she needed to restore her life and make better choices. She left her job in New York, moved to South Florida, renewed her faith, and again fell in love with life. She began a career in coaching and helping others to make positive changes in their lives as well.
During this same time period, Charlie Grippo was going through similar life experiences. He was tired of being unhealthy and decided to drastically change his eating habits by incorporating a more plant-based diet. It didn’t take long for him to reap the positive effects, easily dropping more than 25 pounds and gaining tons of energy.
In June 2011, having not seen each other in years, Elena and Charlie were suddenly reunited. Elena’s brother Anthony, Charlie’s childhood friend, had a stroke. Having both benefited from the power of nutrition, they teamed up to help him recover by incorporating super foods as part of his diet. Five months later, Anthony (Click here to find the video) came out of the coma and went on to make a 100% recovery. By this time, Elena and Charlie were inseparable.
Their combined passion for a plant-based diet led them to a new venture, the Zenergy Truck. With this concept, Charlie and Elena traveled all over South Florida selling vegan/gluten-free smoothies, raw foods, and desserts. They continued to further their knowledge, including Charlie receiving a raw food certification from the Graff Academy in Atlanta. After selling the food truck in 2013.. they opened a beautiful brick n’ mortar named Green Bar & Kitchen. Now on a daily basis, Charlie & Elena teach others the importance of wholesome, nutritious food choices. Their hope is that the community can be healed through proper nutrition and a positive lifestyle.
Has it been a smooth road?
Yes And No.. Smooth as in the community has welcomed us with open arms. I mean, our customers are THE BEST.. seriously raving fans. Struggles, as the restaurant business is not glorious by any means.. and you need to remember THE WHY.. you opened to overcome any of the objections.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Green Bar & Kitchen – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We Own a Plant-based Restaurant and Bakery. We provided delicious organic plant-based eats to the masses at affordable pricing while making a huge impact on our environment and our community. What am I most Proud of? THE DAILY DIFFERENCE WE MAKE IN PEOPLES LIVES… and OUR DELICIOUS TEAM! Our staff is THE BEST 🙂
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the diversity, the culture, our community is more health conscious. The least.. it’s so transient. A lot of people in the past 5 years have moved…
Pricing:
- $8-$12
Contact Info:
- Address: 1075 Se 17th street
Fort Lauderdale , Fl , 33304 - Website: www.greenbarkitchen.com
- Phone: 954-533-7507
- Email: eat@greenbarkitchen.com
- Instagram: greenbarkitchen
- Facebook: https://business.facebook.com/greenbarkitchen/
- Twitter: Greenbarkitch
Image Credit:
@lifestyle media article. “don’t call it vegan”
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
