Photo by Dave Decker
Anisa Mejia, chef-owner of Nana’s Juice Bar & Restaurant in Ybor City, Florida.
The celebrated plant-based chef—who could usually be seen greeting and hugging her regular customers—decided to team up with a new partner and pivot to a food truck instead of re-opening her popular brick and mortar.
Nana’s Rooted is parked at Food Truck Culture’s lot at 4914 E Broadway Ave. (about three miles from Meija closed Ybor City restaurant), and will also be available for events and festivals throughout the greater Tampa Bay area.
According to its new social media page, Nana’s Rooted celebrates its grand opening on Saturday, Aug. 31 starting at noon.
Other concepts that use Food Truck Culture as a homebase include Three Stones Kenyan Cuisine, fellow plant-based spot Seasoned Green, Norma's Kitchen, Willie Mae's, Mai Thai, Mother Shuckers 813 and more.
“This food truck is something separate from the restaurant—a whole new business. It’s not a brick-and-mortar, which is nice because the overhead cost isn't so high,” Meija tells Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. “The goal is definitely to open another restaurant eventually, but this is just the next step to get there one day.”“The goal is definitely to open another restaurant eventually."
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The food truck will continue to dish out whole food-based “meal of the day” plates, plus the expected smoothies, juices, empanadas and sandwiches that Nana's Restaurant & Juice Bar was known for.
In addition to Nana’s walnut-based empanadas, Meija is also workshopping a nut allergy-friendly spinach option as well as a vegan take on a guava and cheese empanada.
“I’m also looking to add a few more baked goods, salads, wraps, quick grab and go items and gluten-free options to the menu, too,” Meija adds.
Those unfamiliar with popular plant-based fare from the previous Nana’s location, can expect the food truck menu to include bang bang broccoli with coconut mac and cheese, walnut bolognese pasta, jackfruit griot with rice and beans, Dominican-style stewed eggplant, lentil meatloafs, black bean flautas and more.
Nana’s Ybor City restaurant closed in early April, and Meija has hosted a multitude of pop-ups, worked private chef gigs and offered meal prep services in the meantime.
Head to @nanas.rooted on Instagram for the latest news on this new plant-based food truck and its rotating menu.
While its official debut is slated for Aug. 31, Meija may soft open her new food truck sometime next week.
After its grand opening, Nana’s Rooted will be open from about 11 a.m.-7 p.m. or 8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, although operating hours may change.
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