A company that delivers healthy meals to homes and offices is opening its first retail store in Santa Monica.
Fresh N’ Lean’s store at 705 Montana Ave. will offer grab-and-go meals designed for meat eaters, vegans and those trying to lose weight. Customers can visit the store in person, order a la carte deliveries or try different meals before they sign up for one of the company’s delivery plans. Customers who sign up for a plan at the location will receive a discount, said co-CEO Thomas Asseo.
Fresh N’ Lean will fill the space vacated by Rawkin Juice in May. The storefront, which is near the corner of Lincoln Boulevard and Montana Avenue, was previously occupied by Orchard Flats Juicery.
Founder Laureen Asseo first began preparing healthy meals for friends and family out of her own home after her father Frank Asseo was facing serious health concerns resulting from years of unhealthy eating. The company has since expanded into a national delivery service specializing in organic, health-conscious dishes. Meals arrive ready to heat in recyclable packaging and customers receive a different menu each week.
Thomas Asseo said the company offers a solution for people who want to eat healthily but don’t have the time to prepare meals themselves.
“What we do, you can do yourself, it's just incredibly inconvenient,” he said. “We offer the convenience of avoiding going to the supermarket, meal planning for the week and dealing with the hassle of cleanup.”
Asseo said Fresh N’ Lean’s Santa Monica location will be the first of many and the company will also begin selling its prepared meals in grocery stores soon.
“For those who have not yet tried meal services, this will be an experience that’s a little more familiar for them,” he said.
The store will hold a grand opening Feb. 7.
madeleine@smdp.com
