Provided/Greens and Grains
By MEDIAWIZE
Greens and Grains was founded back in January of 2014. The business, now a thriving chain of plant-based restaurants serving Atlantic and Monmouth counties, Center City Philadelphia, and soon in Voorhees, started as a side hustle for founder Nicole Jacoby.
Today, demand in Northfield has led to a new location that is triple the size of the original Greens and Grains. Customers can come to 331 Tilton Road to enjoy a larger menu that will include vegan ice cream. The location is set to launch before the Fourth of July.
Before 2014, Jacoby worked as a social worker and part-timer at her in-law’s Greek restaurant. While at the restaurant, she spent time making juices and selling juice cleanses. Demand was growing, and the idea for Greens and Grains was born. The first location in Ventnor opened in 2015, where Nicole’s husband, Lambros Psounos joined the company full time.
Shortly afterward, Greens and Grains opened its second location in Northfield. A great testament to entrepreneurship, Jacoby and Psounos took the calculated risk to turn all their restaurant success into expansion, and the growth continued. With seven restaurants open, including on Ventnor Avenue in Margate, and an eighth on the way, Jacoby credits that people of all dietary backgrounds are discovering just how delicious plant-based foods can be.
The original slogan for the restaurant was fresh juice and healthy fare. As the restaurant evolved, so did the slogan. Now, “Greens and Grains Plant-Based Food for Everyone” reflects the clientele that visits Greens and Grains daily, where people of different backgrounds find plant-based versions of classics such as paninis, wraps and salads. The most popular item may be the vegan gyro, inspired by Psounos’ Greek roots. The Mediterranean flair is seen in many different menu items, and you won’t find anywhere else a Greek recipe with a vegan twist like you can find at Greens and Grains.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Greens and Grains growth for Jacoby and Psounos has been introducing plant-based foods to those who hadn’t previously tried them. There are still negative stigmas surrounding plant-based foods, such as they’re too expensive or lack flavor. Greens and Grains has put those stigmas to rest. Now, to reach even more people, Greens and Grains has started the Atlantic City Food Project.
Jacoby created the Atlantic City Food Project to introduce people and their families to plant-based foods. The Atlantic City Food Project’s slogan is “Plant-based food for homegrown families.”
Soon, Greens and Grains will offer a weekly box pickup with vegan meals that can feed a family of four. The boxes will include recipes and shopping lists to help with the education behind plant-based food for young families.
In addition, twice a month, the Atlantic City Food Project will feature different family focused events and cooking demonstrations, so people can learn how to prepare delicious, affordable meals for their entire family.
The project’s next step will be to help teens and adults needing real world work experience. The new Northfield location will be the training grounds to teach those interested in the restaurant industry how to do basic tasks, such as breaking down a case of romaine lettuce or prepping vegetables. These skills can lead to longterm jobs in the food industry.
Greens and Grains is currently in the fundraising stage, and more details will become available closer to the project’s launch in early 2023.
Those interested in learning how they can support the Atlantic City Food Project can visit AtlanticCityFoodProject.com or visit @atlanticcityfoodproject on Instagram.
