Children mold us in many ways. Tara Gilad’s daughter inspired a new business model than includes 70 Vitality Bowl restaurants all across the country.
Setting sail into entrepreneurship at 25, I embarked on a journey of building my own empire. After parting ways with my initial venture in finance staffing, I delved into the domain of health and wellness with the birth of Vitality Bowls in 2011.
This endeavor wasn’t just a strategic business move—it was a fusion of my entrepreneurial drive and my role as a mother, fueled by my daughter’s food allergies.
The idea of Vitality Bowls truly traces back to my upbringing, marked by an unconventional yet health-conscious childhood. I was raised amidst a community of nutritional enthusiasts; my palate was shaped by garden-fresh produce…I mean, how many kids can say their closest thing to dessert was carob or picking fruit from their mother’s garden? Our lifestyle emphasized self-sufficiency, with our sustenance drawn directly from the earth, instilling in me a deep-rooted appreciation for healthy eating.
At 16, my parents’ separation thrust me into a small city housing apartment, igniting within me a fervent desire for a better future. Determined to carve my own path, I pursued higher education through a maze of student loans and financial aid, majoring in organizational communications and a minor in health science with a clear vision of entrepreneurship.
Several years later, after my husband Roy and I had children, we discovered our daughter was born with severe food allergies. As she continued to grow up, the absence of a convenient place to dine out, especially with a busy schedule, became increasingly apparent. We needed a destination with food and service we trusted and realized we had to take it upon ourselves to do so.
From Christopher Correa at The Turlock Journal on June 5, 2024:
Vitality Bowls, a Northern California restaurant brand that expects to open in Turlock by the end of the year, specializes in açaí bowls, smoothies, wraps, salads and more.
Vitality Bowls, a Northern California restaurant brand that specializes in açaí bowls, smoothies, wraps, salads and more, has announced a signed agreement with local husband-and-wife entrepreneur duo, Tianna and Lizandro Barragan, to open a new location in Turlock.
The couple plans to have the restaurant, which they’ve described as “health-focused superfood café,” to open by the end of 2024. The location has not yet been announced.
“This is more than just a business venture to us—it’s about bringing our passion for healthy living to our community,” said Tianna Barragan. “Turlock’s small-town charm and close-knit community made it the perfect fit for us to act upon our long-term goals. We’ve seen firsthand the need for more nutritious options in the Central Valley, and we’re excited to fill that gap. Joining forces with Vitality Bowls allows us to be part of something bigger, expanding its reach while satisfying cravings with a variety of healthy superfood options.”
There are currently 30 Vitality Bowls locations in California, including one on Oakdale Road in Modesto.
The menu features signature bowls like the Superfood Bowl, made with acai, pitaya, almond milk, organic granola, cacao nibs and goji berries, and the Chimichurri Steak Wrap — a blend of super greens, grass-fed sous-vide steak, grains, radishes and more wrapped in a tomato basil tortilla. Each meal is packed with antioxidants, the company said in a release.
“Tianna and Lizando are exactly the right entrepreneurs to grow the brand in Turlock,” said Tara Gilad, co-founder and President of Vitality Bowls. “Given Lizando’s background as a health professional and Tianna’s business expertise, they truly embody the Vitality Bowls values and share our mission of bringing delicious and healthy food options to the community.”
Roy and Tara Gilad founded Vitality Bowls in 2011 in San Ramon, California. The duo started the superfood café concept as a result of discovering their daughter’s severe food allergies and wanting to find safe, healthy food alternatives.
Since franchising began in 2014, the brand has grown to more than 145 cafés open and in development. Between 2019 and 2020, Vitality Bowls earned the “Best Franchise to Buy”— New Ethnic Eats Category Zor Award, was named in Entrepreneur’s Top Food Franchise and Top New Franchises list, Franchise Times’s Top 200+ list, Entrepreneur’s Top Growth Franchise list, Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies, Restaurant Business’s Future 50 and Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers and Shakers. In 2022, it was named a Top Food Franchise in Entrepreneur Magazine, claiming one of the top five spots in the “Açaí Bowl” category. Additionally, in 2023 it was named a top emerging brand in Franchise Journal.
Vitality Bowls, a San Ramon-based superfood cafe, is offering deals on select food items at its Modesto location to celebrate its first anniversary.
The cafe has been serving the Stanislaus County community at 3401 Oakdale Road since it opened in April 2023.
This embedded content is not available in your region.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate the first anniversary of Vitality Bowls in Modesto, surrounded by our supportive community,” Silvana Robin, owner of the cafe, said in a news release.
As part of the company’s “commitment to health and wellness,” Robin said the cafe provides “nourishing foods that everyone can feel good about.”
Owner Silvana Robin said the Vitality Bowls provides “nourishing foods that everyone can feel good about.” Courtesy of Vitality Bowls
What deals will be available?
The cafe will offer a deal: buy one, get one 50% off on any acai bowl on Saturday, April 27, to commemorate its anniversary.
To qualify for the discount, customers must be loyalty members on the Vitality Bowls app (it doesn’t cost to join), according to the news release. Purchases must be made through the app to apply the deal.
Have you visited @vitalitybowlsberea ? They have so many amazing things on the menu. Their location just opened recently and it is such a beautiful spot with an amazing staff! An açaí bowl is my favorite fresh meal! I love their food and recommend their salads, toasts, wraps, smoothies and pretty much anything on their menu! The smoothies and juices are very refreshing and perfect for hot summer day or even just to get something fresh!
Recent Comments