Perfectly Plant Based
Nutritious You launches a second Sarasota café
Having pioneered the only all-plant-based café on Siesta Key—in the middle of a pandemic, no less—restaurateurs Carey and Mario Palmer recently took their magic to the mainland.
Their second location of Nutritious You, located on South Tamiami Trail in Sarasota, opened in the summer of 2021, following their takeover of the flagship spot in August 2020. The impetus behind the expansion? Spreading the message of—and options for—healthy living on the Suncoast (a personal passion for the couple).
“Juicing and plant-based eating has been a huge part of our lives, and we often found it difficult to find vegan/plant-based options in the area,” Carey Palmer says.
During their pursuit of options, and prior to their current ventures, the Palmers visited the former Nutritious You on Siesta Key, only to find it was closed and for sale.
“Mario had been looking for an opportunity to own an all-plant-based restaurant for years and decided, at that moment, that this was it,” Carey Palmer says. “Together, we have owned and operated a successful medical equipment company, and we were looking for a chance to contribute to the community by bringing healthy options to the area.”
And they relaunched Nutritious You during a tricky economic era.
“It was a bold move but we knew it was much needed, not only for Sarasota but for the world,” Carey Palmer says. “I’ve been a cardiac and vascular technologist for over two decades in the Sarasota-Bradenton area. In 2019, I obtained a certification in plant-based nutrition from Cornell University to help more people.”
Now she is introducing patrons to popular menu items, like a homemade “Rainbow Flatbread” (with dehydrated cabbage, flaxseed, carrot, and celery, topped with a homemade vegan ricotta cheese). Nutritious You also serves plenty of fresh juices, real fruit/vegetable smoothies, acai bowls, and “transition foods” designed to help those beginning plant-based/vegan diets.
“There are no animal products in any of our food or drinks, and we use as many local farms as we can for our produce and products,” Carey Palmer says, adding that Mario Palmer’s daughter, Marina Palmer, has kept the cafés running during the most difficult times.
The response to the concept was so uplifting that it prompted the Palmers to open a second café in Sarasota.
“The new place is just massive, and it has allowed us to expand the menu and also hold events,” Carey Palmer says. “Our cafés are designed to help make it easier for people who are trying to make positive changes. We’re here to help anyone interested in learning more about the benefits of plant-based/ vegan eating.”
>Nutritious You: 6583 Midnight Pass Road, Sarasota, 941-203-5203; and 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Unit 305, Sarasota, 941-554-4528, nutritiousyou.com.
