There is no question that the healthy and responsible eating “trend” is here to stay. As more people around the country are embracing wholesome health habits and well being, so too will the need increase for more eateries that are committed to providing food rich in nutritional value, flavor and sourced responsibly to keep up with the growing population that will no longer settle for foods made with GMO’s, pesticides, harmful ingredients and harmful to our environment.
Add to this, the ever-expanding number of individuals making lifestyle changes to becoming vegetarians, vegans and gluten free for health and consciousness reasons. The result is a food services market that has never possessed as much opportunity for committed companies with visionary menu options to target this burgeoning clientele.
Well folks, count Long Island in as a destination where good, clean food is now available from a new and growing franchise called CoreLife Eatery.
As a “mostly vegetarian,” myself, and utterly committed to natural and organic food choices, the arrival of CoreLife Eatery, right in my backyard was music to my ears! After reading about this progressive franchise’s first location in Farmingdale, Long Island, earlier this month, I made up my mind that I was not going to miss the grand opening on January 12th. And boy, am glad I didn’t!
I knew immediately from perusing the menu online, prior to my visit that I was going to have a difficult time making my food selection, and that the chances of enjoying my meal were better than good. What I didn’t bargain for was an opportunity to meet the franchise owners of this opening day success addition to Farmingdale and learn about their plans with CoreLife Eatery for Long Island as well as insight into the company's philosophy and goals.
Before I delve into the corporate background and mission, let me first, share with you, my personal experience, which began on opening day. It was quite obvious that I wasn't the only one excited about the arrival of this new restaurant. There was a nice size crowd for lunch, at eleven in the morning. Upon entering, there were friendly employees with big smiles, welcoming guests, sharing an overview of the menu offerings, orienting people to the layout of the venue, including the location of the food order line.
Add to this, the ever-expanding number of individuals making lifestyle changes to becoming vegetarians, vegans and gluten free for health and consciousness reasons. The result is a food services market that has never possessed as much opportunity for committed companies with visionary menu options to target this burgeoning clientele.
Well folks, count Long Island in as a destination where good, clean food is now available from a new and growing franchise called CoreLife Eatery.
As a “mostly vegetarian,” myself, and utterly committed to natural and organic food choices, the arrival of CoreLife Eatery, right in my backyard was music to my ears! After reading about this progressive franchise’s first location in Farmingdale, Long Island, earlier this month, I made up my mind that I was not going to miss the grand opening on January 12th. And boy, am glad I didn’t!
I knew immediately from perusing the menu online, prior to my visit that I was going to have a difficult time making my food selection, and that the chances of enjoying my meal were better than good. What I didn’t bargain for was an opportunity to meet the franchise owners of this opening day success addition to Farmingdale and learn about their plans with CoreLife Eatery for Long Island as well as insight into the company's philosophy and goals.
Before I delve into the corporate background and mission, let me first, share with you, my personal experience, which began on opening day. It was quite obvious that I wasn't the only one excited about the arrival of this new restaurant. There was a nice size crowd for lunch, at eleven in the morning. Upon entering, there were friendly employees with big smiles, welcoming guests, sharing an overview of the menu offerings, orienting people to the layout of the venue, including the location of the food order line.
 Beautiful and eclectic interior of CoreLife Eatery (c) travelincousins.com |  Variety of seating options (c) travelincousins.com |
Along the walls of the order line are huge display signs of the various bowl and plate options - from roasted vegetable plates to broth bowls and green bowls, there are preset menu offerings as well as an infinite number of possibilities to build your own bowl.
As guests approach the order counter, bins of fresh ingredients line the shelves behind it. Filled with greens, various lettuces and Napa cabbage, it is a colorful wall of healthy options.
As guests approach the order counter, bins of fresh ingredients line the shelves behind it. Filled with greens, various lettuces and Napa cabbage, it is a colorful wall of healthy options.
 Large menu option signs along the order line (c) travelincousins.com |  (c) travelincousins.com |
While I'm on the topic of freshness, let me tell you a bit about what is behind CoreLife Eatery and the commitment of this growing franchise to "fresh and clean" eating.
I was fortunate enough to sit down and chat with one of the new franchise owners, Ryan Monahan and received quite a bit of insight into CoreLife's humble beginnings and founding principles, as well as what brought him to becoming a franchisee.
I was actually interested in how Ryan became familiar with CoreLife Eatery. As it turns out, one of his good friends in Syracuse, New York told him about a new place he had eaten at and loved the food and the concept. Knowing that Ryan was an entrepreneur, and was always looking for new opportunities, his friend strongly suggested that he check into core life eatery and franchising opportunities. With the help of his relentless friend and a subsequent visit to the small restaurant in Syracuse, Ryan was sold.
At the time of his visit, the corporate team was assembling plans to revamp and transform the look of their stores and the end result is the eclectic yet warm environment pictured. Lots of earth tones, dark wood and crisp, clean whites make the venue inviting and open. A free standing beverage bar features home crafted great tasting teas, lemonades & coffees.
CorleLife Eatery was the brain child of three visionary individuals who were in the food services industry for years and decided it was time for some changes in the kinds of "fast food" options in the marketplace that consumers could turn to for clean, healthy living that goes against the western diet. That meant fresh greens and produce, grass fed meats, no preservative, no antibiotics and even gluten free.
What that means, is that unlike other food franchises, everything was prepared on-site and from scratch. One example, as Ryan informed me, is that they juice over 5,000 lemons weekly for their lemonades and dressings!
At the time of Ryan's first visit to the first eatery in Syracuse, the company didn't as yet have their franchising rights available, but he persisted in his desire to acquire the rights to CoreLife for the Long Island market.
I was fortunate enough to sit down and chat with one of the new franchise owners, Ryan Monahan and received quite a bit of insight into CoreLife's humble beginnings and founding principles, as well as what brought him to becoming a franchisee.
I was actually interested in how Ryan became familiar with CoreLife Eatery. As it turns out, one of his good friends in Syracuse, New York told him about a new place he had eaten at and loved the food and the concept. Knowing that Ryan was an entrepreneur, and was always looking for new opportunities, his friend strongly suggested that he check into core life eatery and franchising opportunities. With the help of his relentless friend and a subsequent visit to the small restaurant in Syracuse, Ryan was sold.
At the time of his visit, the corporate team was assembling plans to revamp and transform the look of their stores and the end result is the eclectic yet warm environment pictured. Lots of earth tones, dark wood and crisp, clean whites make the venue inviting and open. A free standing beverage bar features home crafted great tasting teas, lemonades & coffees.
CorleLife Eatery was the brain child of three visionary individuals who were in the food services industry for years and decided it was time for some changes in the kinds of "fast food" options in the marketplace that consumers could turn to for clean, healthy living that goes against the western diet. That meant fresh greens and produce, grass fed meats, no preservative, no antibiotics and even gluten free.
What that means, is that unlike other food franchises, everything was prepared on-site and from scratch. One example, as Ryan informed me, is that they juice over 5,000 lemons weekly for their lemonades and dressings!
At the time of Ryan's first visit to the first eatery in Syracuse, the company didn't as yet have their franchising rights available, but he persisted in his desire to acquire the rights to CoreLife for the Long Island market.
 Self serve beverage bar (c) travelincousins.com |  Welcoming order counter with large bins of fresh ingredients behind food prep employees (c) travelincousins.com |
His belief in this new concept of "clean food prepared on-site" was something he knew would resonate strongly here on Long Island, as more and more people were craving eateries that provided a fresh and healthy menu, with extensive options and lots of flavor. And boy, were Ryan's instincts on point. According to Ryan, he has people coming up to him daily, thanking him for opening up CoreLife.
As for me, I couldn't agree more! I was, and am, one of those people who is always looking for healthy eating options. Those of you who regularly follow my blog, know that I was anticipating the opening of CoreLife Eatery from the moment I read the announcement of its arrival here on Long Island.
With more than 25 meal choices that include Green Bowls, Grain Bowls, Broth Bowls, Power Plates, Warm Rice Bowls to satisfy all taste buds, eating styles, hunger level and food restrictions, guests also have the option to build their own bowl! I opted to build my own bowl!
Here's how it works - you choose your base - a choice of greens, grains or noodles. Next, you add up to four ingredients, with an array that includes Jalapeños, corn, broccoli, beets, sprouts, peppers, red onions, cucumber, tomato, scallions, carrots, celery, chickpeas, peas, mandarin oranges, cauliflower, black beans, dried cranberries, edamame, sprouts, shiitake mushrooms, ginger.
At this point, you "accessorize with premiums" such as feta cheese, gorgonzola cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, avocados, bacon, parmesan crisps, egg, roasted tofu, falafel, antibiotic-free chicken, grass-fed steak. Lastly, you select a broth (beef bone broth, chicken bone broth, vegetable broth) or a dressing.
As for me, I couldn't agree more! I was, and am, one of those people who is always looking for healthy eating options. Those of you who regularly follow my blog, know that I was anticipating the opening of CoreLife Eatery from the moment I read the announcement of its arrival here on Long Island.
With more than 25 meal choices that include Green Bowls, Grain Bowls, Broth Bowls, Power Plates, Warm Rice Bowls to satisfy all taste buds, eating styles, hunger level and food restrictions, guests also have the option to build their own bowl! I opted to build my own bowl!
Here's how it works - you choose your base - a choice of greens, grains or noodles. Next, you add up to four ingredients, with an array that includes Jalapeños, corn, broccoli, beets, sprouts, peppers, red onions, cucumber, tomato, scallions, carrots, celery, chickpeas, peas, mandarin oranges, cauliflower, black beans, dried cranberries, edamame, sprouts, shiitake mushrooms, ginger.
At this point, you "accessorize with premiums" such as feta cheese, gorgonzola cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, avocados, bacon, parmesan crisps, egg, roasted tofu, falafel, antibiotic-free chicken, grass-fed steak. Lastly, you select a broth (beef bone broth, chicken bone broth, vegetable broth) or a dressing.
 "Build Your Own" Green Bowl - Napa Cabbage, tricolored quinoa, chick peas, peas, black beans, carrots, Feta and Citrus Poppyseed dressing (c) travelincousins.com |  Spicy Thai Chicken & Noodle Bowl (c) travelincousins.com |
The dressing options are quite extensive, and all of them are made on premises so they are fresh as can be! You can see the freshness! These include balsamic vinaigrette, carrot chili vinaigrette, citrus poppyseed, cranberry vinaigrette, cucumber basil, thai cashew, greek yougurt caesar, greek yogurt bleu cheese, lime cilantro jalapeno vinaigrette, miso sesame ginger, sriracha, extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon squeeze, fresh lime squeeze.
I had so much fun making my own bowl. Of course, I made up my own rules and just went crazy with greens, Napa cabbage, tricolored quinoa, black beans, carrots, feta cheese and the most exquisite citrus poppyseed dressing!! YUM. The crunch factor was amazing, but, I kid you not when I tell you how fresh everything tasted!
I ordered one of the pre-made specialty bowls from the menu to bring home for Gianna. She absolutely loved the Spice Thai Chicken & Noodle bowl.
One thing I was curious about and inquired with Ryan, was concerning how they handle the special allergy issues of guests because I had noticed how I was asked by the food prep employees if I had any allergies. Ryan was quick to explain, should a guest have a food allergy, there is one individual who prepares the meal for that person so there is no cross contamination. Brilliant. So, this place is truly set up to accommodate the individual needs of its patrons. And lest I forget that it is vegan and vegetarian friendly as well!!
When asked what the biggest challenge was as a franchise owner on Long Island, Ryan shared that good help is number one. He said, above all, he values the people that work for him and dedicated to serve his clientele Additionally, because CoreLife Eatery functions more like a full-service restaurant, with all the "from scratch" preparation that goes on behind the scenes, he requires a staff that is not only proficient in following recipes and up for the demands of "homemade" preparation but, that is reliable, dependable and friendly as well! I can attest from first hand experience, he has succeeded in finding great people at his first store!
So what's next for Ryan and his partners? Well, they own the franchising rights to all of Long Island and the next big store opening is scheduled for April, 2018 in none other than my hometown, Garden City! You can bet I'll be there!!
And don't fear, this great eatery is currently expanding around the country with locations in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and the newest store in Sandy, Utah (as of this writing) for a total of 26 locations and many more opening soon!
For more information, go to their website:
www.corelifeeatery.com
I had so much fun making my own bowl. Of course, I made up my own rules and just went crazy with greens, Napa cabbage, tricolored quinoa, black beans, carrots, feta cheese and the most exquisite citrus poppyseed dressing!! YUM. The crunch factor was amazing, but, I kid you not when I tell you how fresh everything tasted!
I ordered one of the pre-made specialty bowls from the menu to bring home for Gianna. She absolutely loved the Spice Thai Chicken & Noodle bowl.
One thing I was curious about and inquired with Ryan, was concerning how they handle the special allergy issues of guests because I had noticed how I was asked by the food prep employees if I had any allergies. Ryan was quick to explain, should a guest have a food allergy, there is one individual who prepares the meal for that person so there is no cross contamination. Brilliant. So, this place is truly set up to accommodate the individual needs of its patrons. And lest I forget that it is vegan and vegetarian friendly as well!!
When asked what the biggest challenge was as a franchise owner on Long Island, Ryan shared that good help is number one. He said, above all, he values the people that work for him and dedicated to serve his clientele Additionally, because CoreLife Eatery functions more like a full-service restaurant, with all the "from scratch" preparation that goes on behind the scenes, he requires a staff that is not only proficient in following recipes and up for the demands of "homemade" preparation but, that is reliable, dependable and friendly as well! I can attest from first hand experience, he has succeeded in finding great people at his first store!
So what's next for Ryan and his partners? Well, they own the franchising rights to all of Long Island and the next big store opening is scheduled for April, 2018 in none other than my hometown, Garden City! You can bet I'll be there!!
And don't fear, this great eatery is currently expanding around the country with locations in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and the newest store in Sandy, Utah (as of this writing) for a total of 26 locations and many more opening soon!
For more information, go to their website:
www.corelifeeatery.com
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