Happy New Year, #WiRLFam!

In this episode of the Women in Restaurant Leadership podcast, I’m joined by Tara Gilad, President and Founder of Vitality Bowls, a fast-growing superfood café franchise that has transformed the healthy dining landscape. Tara shares her inspiring journey from her health-conscious upbringing and entrepreneurial roots to founding a brand driven by a deeply personal mission—creating safe, nutritious dining options for those with food allergies. 🥗🍎🥕

We’ll explore how Tara overcame early challenges to build Vitality Bowls into a nationally recognized brand with over 70 locations, her approach to innovation through ventures like Harvest Kitchen, and the strategies behind the company’s rapid expansion into new markets. 🚀

Tara also opens up about the importance of educating future generations on healthy eating, the evolving trends in the wellness food space, and how she balances the demands of leadership with her personal life.

Plus, don’t miss Tara’s insights on leadership as a female entrepreneur, advice for aspiring business owners, and her answers to some fun rapid-fire questions—including her favorite Vitality Bowl creation and the superfoods that didn’t quite make the menu!

Welcome to 2025, everyone!