Food for Thought Health Food Cafe on Seventh Street in Garden City (c) travelincousins.com
Located on Seventh Street in the village of Garden City - just blocks from the luxurious Garden City Hotel, Food For Thought Health Food Cafe has been an integral part of the community for 35 years.
Owned and managed by the Kathuria family since 1987, it has evolved into a one stop shop for healthy meals, snacks, juices, smoothies and more, for a growing clientele.
As a patron for twenty years, myself, I can attest to the amazing transformation of what was once a small grocery and health food store, to what is now, a full food cafe catering to all dietary preferences. Having the opportunity to sit and chat with Gunjan Kathuria, the young family visionary who's efforts, along with her mom, Angu reinvented Food for Thought in 2016, into what it is today.
Owned and managed by the Kathuria family since 1987, it has evolved into a one stop shop for healthy meals, snacks, juices, smoothies and more, for a growing clientele.
As a patron for twenty years, myself, I can attest to the amazing transformation of what was once a small grocery and health food store, to what is now, a full food cafe catering to all dietary preferences. Having the opportunity to sit and chat with Gunjan Kathuria, the young family visionary who's efforts, along with her mom, Angu reinvented Food for Thought in 2016, into what it is today.
Me with Gunjan Kathuria, third generation owner and visionary (c) travelincousins.com
With the realization that in order to grow and become even more relevant to an increased demand for healthy food that is tasty, an expansion and refocus needed to happen. Back in 1986 when Gunjan's dad and grandmother purchased the small health food store business, their product offering consisted mainly of vitamins, grocery items and a small deli, featuring Indian-inspired prepared foods using many of the family recipes, especially those of Gunjan's grandmother.
Interestingly enough, with the birth of the Kathuria's new business, also came the birth of a new baby, Gunjan, at the time, to Bobby and Anju. So, it's no surprise that this bright entrepreneur, who was once on a medical career path, would opt to lead the family business into the 21st Century.
Beginning in 2010, the store underwent its first round of renovations and expansions with a revamping of the space, new decor, a greater focus on prepared food items and juices, and a move away from grocery, except for vitamins and supplements. Branding itself as a healthy and tasty eatery, further expansion was undertaken in 2016, nearly doubling the size, enlarging the menu and creating a one-stop shop for breakfast, lunch and dinner for the burgeoning patronage.
Interestingly enough, with the birth of the Kathuria's new business, also came the birth of a new baby, Gunjan, at the time, to Bobby and Anju. So, it's no surprise that this bright entrepreneur, who was once on a medical career path, would opt to lead the family business into the 21st Century.
Beginning in 2010, the store underwent its first round of renovations and expansions with a revamping of the space, new decor, a greater focus on prepared food items and juices, and a move away from grocery, except for vitamins and supplements. Branding itself as a healthy and tasty eatery, further expansion was undertaken in 2016, nearly doubling the size, enlarging the menu and creating a one-stop shop for breakfast, lunch and dinner for the burgeoning patronage.
Beautifully new renovated interior. (c) travelincousins.com
Make Your Own Salads, Bowls and Sandwich Station (photo credit: food for thought)
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Juice, Smoothie, Acai Bowls and Prepared Foods Station (photo credit: food for thought)
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The new Food for Thought Healthy Cafe offers everything from make your own salads, grain and grainless bowls, sandwiches, acai bowls, smoothies, juices, desserts as well as a larger hot and prepared food selection. What's more, all food likes can be accommodated, with a huge focus on vegetarian and vegan specialties. According to Gunjan, "Our cafes are one-stop shops whereby our customers can come for breakfast and pick up something for lunch and dinner, because of our variety of food options."
Of course, part of what has been an integral part of this cafe's growth is a result of the staff that the Kathurias employ. Long-term manager, Evelyn, with her seventeen year history, is a wonderful example of consistency and long-term customer relationships that keep folks coming back for years - something to which, I can certainly attest.
Of course, part of what has been an integral part of this cafe's growth is a result of the staff that the Kathurias employ. Long-term manager, Evelyn, with her seventeen year history, is a wonderful example of consistency and long-term customer relationships that keep folks coming back for years - something to which, I can certainly attest.
(c) travelincousins.com
(photo credit: food for thought)
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(photo credit: food for thought)
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Food for Thought attracts a loyal crowd. (c) travelincousins.com
So what is new for the Kathurias an their commitment to healthy and tasty food? A number of exciting developments!
A new eatery was opened in January 2017, in Syosset, Long Island called Way of Life Healthy Cafe, located in the Marshall's shopping complex. Widening the family business further, this eatery is Gunjan's 'baby', and affectionately referred to as "The Baby Store" which she manages, along with her uncle, leaving Food For Thought in the competent hands of her mom, Anjou and her dad's sister, Ruby, who, by the way is the talented cook behind the many hot foods offered!
Way of Life is about half the size of Food for Thought, but, with the same array of menu items.
A new eatery was opened in January 2017, in Syosset, Long Island called Way of Life Healthy Cafe, located in the Marshall's shopping complex. Widening the family business further, this eatery is Gunjan's 'baby', and affectionately referred to as "The Baby Store" which she manages, along with her uncle, leaving Food For Thought in the competent hands of her mom, Anjou and her dad's sister, Ruby, who, by the way is the talented cook behind the many hot foods offered!
Way of Life is about half the size of Food for Thought, but, with the same array of menu items.
In addition to healthy items to eat, Gunjan is also the brains behind the health-focused seminars, collaborating with "Healthy Chef" Kathryn Petritis. Check the store websites for the schedule of upcoming events. Educating her clientele is something Gunjan is passionate about, as is her commitment to healthy eating and living.
And of course, with the importance of social media these days, you can follow both Food for Thought and Way of Life Healthy Cafe on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Google+ to keep up with the latest and the greatest happenings! Both cafes are Travelin' Cousins Vegan Approved!
And of course, with the importance of social media these days, you can follow both Food for Thought and Way of Life Healthy Cafe on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Google+ to keep up with the latest and the greatest happenings! Both cafes are Travelin' Cousins Vegan Approved!
For Your Information:
Food For Thought Healthy Cafe
154 Seventh Street, Garden City, NY
Tel: (516) 747-5811
Fax: (516) 280-3223
Email: foodforthoughtgc@gmail.com
www.foodforthoughgc.com
Way of Life Healthy Cafe
565 Jericho Tpke #103,
Syosset, NY 11791
Tel: 516-226-1764 / 516-226-1765
Fax: 516-226-1766
Email: wayoflifeny@gmail.com/
www.wayoflifeny.com
Food For Thought Healthy Cafe
154 Seventh Street, Garden City, NY
Tel: (516) 747-5811
Fax: (516) 280-3223
Email: foodforthoughtgc@gmail.com
www.foodforthoughgc.com
Way of Life Healthy Cafe
565 Jericho Tpke #103,
Syosset, NY 11791
Tel: 516-226-1764 / 516-226-1765
Fax: 516-226-1766
Email: wayoflifeny@gmail.com/
www.wayoflifeny.com
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