Having an accessible business for healthy food options in Montebello is what inspired co-owners Dasha and Brian Hunter to bring the TRU Bowl Superfood Bar franchise to the city. The couple grew tired of having to leave Montebello in order to find healthy food options. Instead of moving to where they could find what they were looking for, their business backgrounds led them to open the establishment they were looking for, and provide it to the entire community. “People have been saying that this has been needed – a healthy, clean option that is definitely cost efficient,” Dasha Hunter said. TRU Bowl Superfood Bar, a California-based chain of acai eateries and smoothie bars, was established in 2018. It is a family-owned and operated franchise with 10 locations – now including Montebello. A top priority is to serve fresh, high-quality ingredients with all the nutrients needed “to keep your mind and body strong, and help lead a healthier lifestyle for all walks of life.” Customers can craft their own acai bowls, with several bases to choose from, such as acai, pitaya, matcha, “blue majik,” “TRU coconut,” chia pudding, espresso chia pudding, overnight oats, mango, coca, and more. They also offer freshly squeezed juices, raw smoothies and protein smoothies, using all fresh ingredients – such as spinach, kale, oranges, pineapple and more. “A franchise like TRU Bowl Superfood Bar was so important to us because they already had a good rhythm going,” Dasha said. “They already have a growing business so we just thought, ‘Hey, we need a healthy establishment in Montebello, why not go with a strong franchise such as TRU Bowl.’” The Montebello location soft-opened its doors in December, since then week by week more people have begun to come in, she said. Plenty of seating is available for customers to order their bowls, juices or smoothies and relax. The walls are decorated with neon signs and hand-painted designs that Dasha and Brian put up themselves for their own personal touch to the local business. Located in Montebello Town Square, TRU Bowl is next to AMC Theatres. The owners said that they have already created a relationship with the movie theater. As customers come in after watching movies, TRU Bowl becomes a healthy, accessible option for those looking for something for breakfast, lunch or dinner. They have started to build relationships with other local businesses. “Other small businesses that have been in Montebello for many years, I think that our biggest thing is to show them that we’re here to support and we’re here to grow with them like they’ve grown,” said Brian Hunter. The owners and team at TRU Bowl in Montebello said they are excited and ready to educate people on the food that they offer. From different organic fruits and vegetables they use, to the nutritional benefits of options, such as sea moss. “We want to let people know that being healthy does not have to be boring,” Dasha said. “It’s not just the boring salads that people might think of, we have great bowls that people can fill up and it’s filling.” Another goal of the new TRU Bowl location is to provide great customer service. “I love it here,” said Alyssa Escalante, manager of the Montebello location. “It’s fun, chill, and has a good vibe all the time.” Most of the employees at TRU Bowl are from Montebello. Growing up in the San Gabriel Valley, Brian Hunter said he knew about Montebello before moving with Dasha to the city five years ago. Now, with a business like TRU Bowl in the community, it gets people excited about what’s to come for the city and can even attract visitors, he said. “We see our grand opening as, not only introducing TRU Bowl, but letting people know this is the place to be and have a lot of opportunities, like entertainment and healthy options,” he said. The grand opening celebration for the Montebello location will be at noon Saturday, Feb. 3, at 1467 N. Montebello Blvd. — with free bowls, raffles, games and more. The first 100 guests in line will receive one, free small custom Superfood Bowl, BOGO any item for the next 100 guests in line, an all day raffle for a chance to win a pair of Disneyland tickets or AirPods Max, as well as BOGO 50% any item all grand opening weekend long. “I feel proud to provide good quality food to the community,” Dasha said. “I actually feel like I’m uplifting the community and making them healthier.” TRU Bowl Superfood Bar, 1467 N. Montebello Boulevard, in Montebello is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
This content was originally published here.
