With a greater and growing demand by consumers for healthy food options, more and more food retailers are meeting the needs of this expanding market. In addition to a new generation of health-conscious and compassionate eaters, older generations are changing their eating habits as well, resulting in an overall burgeoning trend towards lighter and plant-based diets. Smart business owners around the world are embracing this movement in their menu offerings and the Bronx is no exception.
Founded in March 2018, Freshly Made brings lighter, healthier and vegan food options to the community (c) travelincousins.com
Take for example, one of Third Avenue's newest eateries, Freshly Made. The collaborative effort of two Bronx female residents, Freshly Made embodies the current healthful approach to eating.
Founded by Angi and Marielys in March 2018, this intimate breath of "fresh food" destination has received a warm welcome from the community at large, with an expanding customer base of regulars and newbies.
Founded by Angi and Marielys in March 2018, this intimate breath of "fresh food" destination has received a warm welcome from the community at large, with an expanding customer base of regulars and newbies.
Visible prep area for customizing orders (c) travelincousins.com
My first encounter with Freshly Made was during my visit to the Bronx Night Market in Fordham Plaza, this past Summer. Always on the lookout for vegan eateries and foodie destinations, I was pleased as punch to meet a new "mostly vegan" food vendor at this pop-up market.
After some friendly conversation, a delicious wedge of fresh watermelon and a ginger shot, I was informed that in addition to doing pop-up markets, this healthy fare company also had a brick and mortar location in the Bronx. While the Bronx does not, as yet have an extensive vegan food scene as some other New York City boroughs, I was most encouraged that the trend was off to a start in this beloved borough. I knew I would soon be paying a visit to their store location on Third Avenue!
After some friendly conversation, a delicious wedge of fresh watermelon and a ginger shot, I was informed that in addition to doing pop-up markets, this healthy fare company also had a brick and mortar location in the Bronx. While the Bronx does not, as yet have an extensive vegan food scene as some other New York City boroughs, I was most encouraged that the trend was off to a start in this beloved borough. I knew I would soon be paying a visit to their store location on Third Avenue!
Freshly Made offers Monthly Specials (c) travelincousins.com
And that is precisdely what I did!
The space is intimate with counter service for their menu of smoothies, shakes, healthy shots, salads, wraps and paninis - all of which are customizable with ingredients of choice. Open display cases line the store, for visibility to patrons to select their items of choice.
I was thrilled that most of their menu is vegan, offering a world of possibilities to the plant-based dietary needs of this exploding segment of eaters. As a result, this Bronx foodie destination is now one of hundreds of Travelin' Cousins Vegan Approved foodie destinations around the world! But, I digress.
The space is intimate with counter service for their menu of smoothies, shakes, healthy shots, salads, wraps and paninis - all of which are customizable with ingredients of choice. Open display cases line the store, for visibility to patrons to select their items of choice.
I was thrilled that most of their menu is vegan, offering a world of possibilities to the plant-based dietary needs of this exploding segment of eaters. As a result, this Bronx foodie destination is now one of hundreds of Travelin' Cousins Vegan Approved foodie destinations around the world! But, I digress.
With Freshly Made co-owner, Angi (c) travelincousins.com
Enjoying a more relaxed and quiet atmosphere in the store, I had a chance to chat with co-owner Angi. Friendly and welcoming, she told me how Freshly Made was something she, and business partner, Marielys always wanted to do.
Both emigrated as little girls to the States from the Dominican Republic. and havie been friends since their youth With a shared entrepreneurial spirit and desire to offer their Bronx community healthy and alternative food options, they opened Freshly Made just eight months ago.
According to Angi, "the neighborhood has embraced Freshly Made,for the lighter options we offer to the local community." Their menu is unique to the neighborhood in which their store resides and from the success they continue to experience, it is safe to say, these business owners clearly filled a void in the area.
So, what do you think was next for me? Yup - a tasting!
I decided to start with a smoothie, for which I relied on Angi to assist me in making the blend. Her suggestion of blueberries, mango, banana and green apple was a yummy choice!! It was perfectly quenching and tasty.
Both emigrated as little girls to the States from the Dominican Republic. and havie been friends since their youth With a shared entrepreneurial spirit and desire to offer their Bronx community healthy and alternative food options, they opened Freshly Made just eight months ago.
According to Angi, "the neighborhood has embraced Freshly Made,for the lighter options we offer to the local community." Their menu is unique to the neighborhood in which their store resides and from the success they continue to experience, it is safe to say, these business owners clearly filled a void in the area.
So, what do you think was next for me? Yup - a tasting!
I decided to start with a smoothie, for which I relied on Angi to assist me in making the blend. Her suggestion of blueberries, mango, banana and green apple was a yummy choice!! It was perfectly quenching and tasty.
Smoothie made with blueberries, mango, banana and green apple (c) travelincousins.com
With my smoothie in hand, I was ready to continue with another selection. Although customization is possible for any of their menu items, with the majority of the ingredients being vegan-friendly, I chose to try their Healthy Vegan Wrap, which contained many of the items I would have selected anyway. Filled with Hummus, Roasted Peppers, Tomatoes and Spinach, it was filling and satisfying and most definitely fresh.
"Healthy Vegan Wrap" - Hummus, Roasted Peppers, Tomatoes and Spinach wrap (c) travelincousins.com
During my short visit, patrons were coming in and out, many of which appeared to be regulars, evidenced by their conversation with the staff, a great indication that this new foodie destination is recognized as an important "go-to."
Equally exciting is that these Bronx business owners are female, bringing some diversity to the area and hopefully, an inspiration to other young entrepreneurial woman to follow their business dreams! Kudos to these two neighborhood trend setters!
-Elisa
Equally exciting is that these Bronx business owners are female, bringing some diversity to the area and hopefully, an inspiration to other young entrepreneurial woman to follow their business dreams! Kudos to these two neighborhood trend setters!
-Elisa
Travelin' Cousins "Vegan Approved" Window Sticker (photo credit: freshly made)
For Your Information
Freshly Made
2535 Third Avenue
Bronx, NY
(646) 455-2535
Instagram: @freshlymade_sobro
Freshly Made
2535 Third Avenue
Bronx, NY
(646) 455-2535
Instagram: @freshlymade_sobro
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