It saddens me to post that Baby Greens is now closed.
We have had an amazing year; celebrating so many milestones that I’m sure many of you are wondering what happened. The store closings are a result of a variety of factors. Like many other restaurants and local businesses, Baby Greens’ sales have slowed at various times throughout the year. Additionally, the commitment to opening our new locations was made prior to the severe downturn our economy suffered over the past year. I chose to honor those commitments in the spirit of growth and expansion of Baby Greens. Delays and disagreements associated with the opening of our Downtown store resulted in the store opening more than a year behind schedule and too close to the opening of the North Austin store. Though it was a long-shot that we would prevail, I hoped that our summer sales would keep the store afloat. Unfortunately this past summer was one of the slowest in Baby Greens history.
In addition to the struggles that Baby Greens has faced this year, I have also been dealing with many family issues. My father, who is confined to a wheelchair, spent weeks in the hospital this summer. A recent death in my paternal grandfather’s family has created family crisis that requires my immediate and full attention. Though I love Baby Greens and remain devoted to the expansion of the company, my family is my first priority. Throughout the history of Baby Greens, even when it was just this “crazy idea” that I had, my parents stood behind me and have supported me and Baby Greens 100%. In fact there wouldn’t be a Baby Greens without the never-ending support of my mother. That being the case, it’s now time for me to be there for my family. I am in the middle of what could be a life changing family crisis. So for now, everything else in my life must be put on pause.
When I opened the doors to our South First Street store almost 6 years ago, I had no idea how people would respond. I have been truly touched at the response and support that Baby Greens’ customers have given. With all things in life, it is always about timing. I feel that there is a silver lining to this cloud. Though this news is sad to give, and I’m sure upsetting to read, I haven’t given up on Baby Greens. This is only the end of THIS CHAPTER. One never knows what the future may bring. Until then, thank you Austin for supporting Baby Greens. Thank you for helping to make one of my dreams come true. I will truly miss seeing your faces at the drive thru window. Stay healthy!
Truly,
Sharon E Mays
Owner, Baby Greens
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Friday, September 4, 2009
The big O
Welcome to my blog! This is my first entry, so hopefully it doesn’t suck. In this inaugural blog, I thought I would address a question that I have been asked over the years.
“Does Baby Greens serve organic food?”
At present date, Baby Greens does not serve organic food. The reason why is quite simple – cost. When I developed the concept for Baby Greens, I wanted the food to be affordable to the “average Joe/Jane”.
A customer once told me that people who eat organic food are used to paying more money for their food, and usually don’t mind the extra expense. I’m sure that is true. The goal of Baby Greens is to provide a healthy option for fast food customers. The average fast food meal costs between 5 – 7 dollars. The prices I was quoted for organic produce would not have allowed us to offer any options in that price range, so we offer menu items that our customers can easily afford.
Most Americans eat a fast food meal at least once a week; for many, fast food is a part of their daily routine. With these statistics, it’s no surprise that we are such an unhealthy nation. I didn’t want a trip to Baby Greens to have to be something that people had to save up to do or make a special occasion of it because of the price. Eating a healthy meal should be the great thing you do for yourself everyday, not the special treat you give yourself a few times a month.
Providing a fast food option that would be affordable, healthy and delicious was my goal. In fact all things that we do at Baby Greens come back to those three priorities: affordable, healthy, delicious. It is a large part of the foundation upon which the company was built.
But even beyond pricing, there is another issue at hand. Though I do believe that organic produce has nutritional and environmental benefits, I don’t think it’s an all or nothing situation. By that I mean, that non-organic produce is still good for you.
I created Baby Greens because I truly believe that healthy fast food needs to be an option in the marketplace. A salad or wrap from Baby Greens is a healthier option that a burger and fries combo, oversized burrito, sandwich and chips or most other typical fast food meal options.
Baby Greens’ non-organic menu options result in more people eating fresh vegetables and lean proteins, dressings and soups that don’t have added sugars or flavor enhancers. More people drinking fresh brewed iced tea and fresh lemonade, less high fructose corn syrup sodas. I think that what we are doing at Baby Greens is important. We provide another option. A healthy option that the average customer can afford. And the American consumer economy is supposed to be based on options.
And the bonus to it all is that we’re doing something positive in the community. I truly believe that healthy food makes you happy. It may sound cheesy, but it’s true. I love working the window at Baby Greens, because I see smiling, happy faces all day long. The food tastes great, and our customers don’t have the sick feeling that typical comes after most fast food meals. It’s a beautiful thing. It’s the best part of my job. I get to help people be happy for a living. And I don’t have to drive around looking for something good for lunch or dinner anymore. Not too shabby.
Will Baby Greens ever serve organic produce? Potentially. If it’s something that could be done while still providing affordable meals to our customers. At the end of the day, it’s all about making great fast food experiences for Baby Greens’ customers.
Thanks for checking out my blog. More posts to come ....
“Does Baby Greens serve organic food?”
At present date, Baby Greens does not serve organic food. The reason why is quite simple – cost. When I developed the concept for Baby Greens, I wanted the food to be affordable to the “average Joe/Jane”.
A customer once told me that people who eat organic food are used to paying more money for their food, and usually don’t mind the extra expense. I’m sure that is true. The goal of Baby Greens is to provide a healthy option for fast food customers. The average fast food meal costs between 5 – 7 dollars. The prices I was quoted for organic produce would not have allowed us to offer any options in that price range, so we offer menu items that our customers can easily afford.
Most Americans eat a fast food meal at least once a week; for many, fast food is a part of their daily routine. With these statistics, it’s no surprise that we are such an unhealthy nation. I didn’t want a trip to Baby Greens to have to be something that people had to save up to do or make a special occasion of it because of the price. Eating a healthy meal should be the great thing you do for yourself everyday, not the special treat you give yourself a few times a month.
Providing a fast food option that would be affordable, healthy and delicious was my goal. In fact all things that we do at Baby Greens come back to those three priorities: affordable, healthy, delicious. It is a large part of the foundation upon which the company was built.
But even beyond pricing, there is another issue at hand. Though I do believe that organic produce has nutritional and environmental benefits, I don’t think it’s an all or nothing situation. By that I mean, that non-organic produce is still good for you.
I created Baby Greens because I truly believe that healthy fast food needs to be an option in the marketplace. A salad or wrap from Baby Greens is a healthier option that a burger and fries combo, oversized burrito, sandwich and chips or most other typical fast food meal options.
Baby Greens’ non-organic menu options result in more people eating fresh vegetables and lean proteins, dressings and soups that don’t have added sugars or flavor enhancers. More people drinking fresh brewed iced tea and fresh lemonade, less high fructose corn syrup sodas. I think that what we are doing at Baby Greens is important. We provide another option. A healthy option that the average customer can afford. And the American consumer economy is supposed to be based on options.
And the bonus to it all is that we’re doing something positive in the community. I truly believe that healthy food makes you happy. It may sound cheesy, but it’s true. I love working the window at Baby Greens, because I see smiling, happy faces all day long. The food tastes great, and our customers don’t have the sick feeling that typical comes after most fast food meals. It’s a beautiful thing. It’s the best part of my job. I get to help people be happy for a living. And I don’t have to drive around looking for something good for lunch or dinner anymore. Not too shabby.
Will Baby Greens ever serve organic produce? Potentially. If it’s something that could be done while still providing affordable meals to our customers. At the end of the day, it’s all about making great fast food experiences for Baby Greens’ customers.
Thanks for checking out my blog. More posts to come ....
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