It’s time to spotlight another business! This week, we connected with business owners Harold and Jackie Gattereau. Vitality Bowls is a Superfood Cafe with fresh to order Bowls and smoothies originating from California.  This powerful duo has brought not one, but two locations of Vitality Bowls to Central Florida. The Gattereaus have made an impact in Central Florida’s Healthy Food scene and we just had to get details on how their venture into entrepreneurship began! 

 

What is your primary product or service?

Vitality Bowls was created out of a strong commitment to bring health and wellness to every community across the country through fresh, high-quality superfoods. Vitality Bowls specializes in making delicious açaí bowls, which are a thick blend of the açaí berry topped with organic granola and a selection of superfood ingredients. Additional antioxidant-rich menu items include smoothies, fresh juices, soups, salads and panini. All items on the menu are made fresh to order and in a kitchen designed to avoid cross contamination of common food allergens. No ingredient fillers such as ice, frozen yogurt or artificial preservatives are used, giving the purest taste possible to each item.

 What do you think makes Central Florida a special place to do business?

Central Florida is a special place to do business because it’s our home  of 10+ years combined with growth, weather, attractions and a diverse population.  We are the first to franchise the brand in Central Florida.

Who is your target market/audience? 

Everyone that enjoys healthy tasty food.

In your opinion, what makes Central Florida’s business community special?

Growth, weather, attractions and diverse population.  We are the first to franchise the brand in Central Florida.

Has COVID-19 impacted your business? 

Business decreases significantly daily.  To better serve our customers, we have transitioned to togo, curbside pickup and delivery only with reduced hours.

 How can people still support you during this time? 

• Ordering online or via the Vitality Bowls App.  Purchasing Gift cards for friends and family.
• Vitality Bowls Orlando First Responders and Healthcare Professionals Support:
• Friends please help us support our local First Responders and Healthcare Professionals. 

       Here’s how it works:

• For every kids smoothie purchased for our local First Responders and Healthcare Professionals,  we’ll match it and deliver two smoothies 
• Purchase our gift cards for local First Responders and Healthcare Professionals and we will deliver with free smoothies 
• Purchase healthy tasty meals for our local First Responders and Healthcare Professionals and we will deliver daily 

You can select the group of First Responders and Healthcare Professionals of your choice or we will select for you.

Our goal is to support 50 local First Responders and Healthcare Professionals daily!  

Current hours of operations:

Monday – Sunday 10am to 6pm daily at Ocoee 

Monday – Saturday 9am to 6pm daily at Dr. Phillips Sunday 10am – 6pm

 

What made you decide to purchase a franchise and how did you choose Vitality Bowls?

We love the idea of not recreating the wheel. Vitality Bowls is an established brand with a network of nationwide franchisees and a proven business model. After researching several business opportunities, Vitality Bowls embraced our lifestyle and our passion with the healthy tasty menu, clean look and feel of the cafe, and transparent kitchen layout.

You have built a business as a couple. What have been some challenges and/or victories in building a business with family?

We successfully launched our first location in Dr Phillips May 2018 and after a year and a half of operations, we recently launched our second location in Ocoee.  Our greatest challenge was understanding the daily operations of the business to grow a successful brand with longevity and then restart in a new market with our second location.  Our greatest challenge continues to be brand recognition and educating our consumers on our healthy tasty menu options. Our greatest victory is partnering as a couple utilizing our strengths, business acumen, and effective communication skills to bridge the gap or erase the stigma associated with healthy eating. 

This month is Financial Literacy Month. With owning your own business, do you intend to leave generational wealth and a legacy for other family members? 

Absolutely!  To provide our family with options to help build a successful future in business ownership.

What is the biggest benefit to joining the AACCCF?  

Connecting and interfacing with our community. AACCCF provides the platform for us to service our community and network with fellow business communities.

 

With COVID-19 social distancing and Stay at Home orders still in affect, there are still many ways to support local businesses. Order a health breakfast of fresh, fruit filled açaí bowls for the whole family this week or bring home paninis for lunch! Check out their website to view the full menu!