Giardino Gourmet Foods first moved into Park Centre Shops at 8008 N.W. 154 Street in Miami Lakes one year ago. The decision to open in Miami Lakes was one that proved to be fruitful for owners Lilly Tudela, Jaime Mitrani and Robert Furth.
“It has been awesome,” said Tudela. “We have had record breaking sales for the franchise since the first month we opened. We have been busy serving the community and have gotten involved with catering for the town. It’s been a lot of work but it’s worth it."
Tudela, Mitrani and Furth have participated in the Weight Loss Challenge for the town, Relay for Life, and Taste of Miami Lakes. Giardino Gourmet Salads has added to the town’s healthy options for dining.
“You can really feel the sense of community,” said Tudela. “There are so many regulars, local workers and residents that we see often, which is a great testament to that town feeling. The biggest feedback we’ve received is that there is nothing too similar to us as far as our menu so I do believe we are meeting a need for healthy food in the area.”
Customers can build salads, or choose from a lengthy list of menu items including soups, sandwiches, grain bowls and wraps. Tudela’s personal favorite is the Mama Mia with tropical chicken and the Gardener Grain Bowl with quinoa.
Following the success of the Miami Lakes store, the co-owners purchased an existing store in Kendall to continue expanding.
“With us starting here in Miami Lakes, the sky is the limit. We hope to continue growing,” said Tudela.
As part of efforts to expand, the Miami Lakes location has promised online ordering which should launch by the end of the year. To celebrate their first anniversary, Tudela, Mitrani and Furth are holding a customer appreciation week with daily specials from June 22 to 26.
For more information visit www.giardinosalads.com or call 305-512-3272.