When I first found out a new location of 3Natives was popping up in Tallahassee, I could barely contain my excitement. I had first experienced the delicious food and juices at this health food cafe at their original site in Tequesta, Florida, back in 2015. Since then, the franchise has really taken off— 3Natives Tallahassee marks their eighth location and several more are slated to open within the next year.
I was lucky enough to sit down with the founder and CEO of 3Natives, Anthony Bambino, to learn more about 3Natives and what sets it apart from other similar health-minded cafes. After his father suffered from a heart attack and then got a prostate cancer diagnosis not long after, Bambino decided it was time to take charge of his family's health and learn more about what kinds of foods would optimize it. 3Natives became Bambino's expression of health—in an affordable and convenient outlet.
Bambino talked of opening 3Natives with the one goal of providing his customers simple, wholesome, and nutritious meals that represent what everyone should be eating to optimize their health and nutrition. The menu at 3Natives does just that: items like the fruit-filled açaí bowls, colorful salads and wraps, and healthy smoothies, that are not only delicious but also really affordable (from $5 to $6.50!!!), make for a delicious and nutritious slew of options that will suit any tastebud palate.
3Natives' Initiatives
Perhaps my favorite part about 3Natives is their focus on sustainability, the environment, and philanthropy. 3Natives uses plastic-free, environmentally friendly utensils, glass bottles for their juices and shots, and work hard to ensure as much of their produce and food as possible is sourced locally. According to Brett Nohle, co-owner of the Tallahassee franchise, he and his father and co-owner Kerry have been working hard to select local sources for things like coffee and produce and selected Orchard Pond as the supplier of all the restaurant's honey. 3Natives has also participated in many fundraisers and charity events over the years, such as Local4Locals and Kiting4Kids in South Florida.
Giving Back with Açaí
In addition to these efforts, 3Natives supplies all of their açaí from Sambazon, a company that uses its success to support many environmental and social initiatives in Brazil and the Amazon. Sambazon is committed to farming in the Amazon as sustainably as possible, all the while supporting the farmers they employ with fair wages. Plus, 5% of all the açaí purchased goes directly back to schools and hospitals local to their farmers.
The Food
Seriously, my visit to 3Natives Tallahassee completely won me over. The food was on point and the missions they support is inspiring. Brett told me some of the most popular items on the menu include The Chronic açaí bowl (açaí, granola, banana, strawberry, kiwi, pineapple, coconut shavings, and honey—small for $6.50 or regular for $8.50), The Bird açaí bowl (açaí, granola, peanut butter, banana, strawberry, kiwi, pineapple, coconut shavings, honey—small for $7 or regular for $9), and The Buffalo Chicken wrap (chicken breast, romaine, carrot, cucumber, bleu cheese, sprouts with buffalo dressing for $9).
My Go To
My personal fave is The California bagel (avocado, cream cheese, tomato, cucumber, sprouts for $5.75)—the mix of avocado and cream cheese is creamy, dreamy goodness that I totally eat at home now, and the cucumber adds the perfect crunch.
So, go, people! 3Natives Tallahassee is what you need in your life right now. Whether you're hungover, about to hit the gym, looking for something quick in between classes, or something to kill your sweet tooth without your feeling bad about it later, 3Natives is for you.