by Mary-Elizabeth Schurrer 

Do you recall what you were thinking in the blur of those first days, weeks and months as the pandemic threw all of us into unfamiliar territory? Amidst the looming threats of economic shutdown, no one knew how long this would last or what might happen next.  

It was a turbulent season for everyone, but some found unique spaces to bravely and selflessly contribute to their communities during this time. Mario and Carey Palmer are two such individuals. They saw an opportunity to create more access to healthy, whole food, plant-based options in the Sarasota area—and they leapt at the chance.  

In addition to running a medical equipment company, Mario and Carey also took over the helm of Nutritious You on Siesta Key. The name would soon change to Nutritious You Plant-Based Café. This was no endeavor for the faint of heart, but they pressed on, and just one year later, opened two more locations across Southwest Florida. 

These restaurants are now thriving as the importance of a health-conscious lifestyle continues to gain awareness and momentum. In this month’s Q&A, I am thrilled for you to learn about the growth of Nutritious You Plant-Based Café from Carey Palmer, who has been a Registered Cardiac and Vascular Technologist in the Sarasota-Bradenton area for over 20 years. Together, she and Mario are a positive force in our wellness community. Here’s a glimpse into their mission to make plant-based eating both accessible and irresistible.  

Natural Awakenings: Can you describe the experience of becoming a restaurant owner in 2020 in the midst of this global pandemic? How has Nutritious You grown in the years since?  

Carey Palmer: Becoming a restaurant owner in the pandemic was not an easy undertaking, as any restaurant owner would tell you. But opening an entirely plant-based, vegan restaurant in the midst of those uncertain times was especially difficult.  

We took over ownership of Nutritious You Plant-Based Café at the height of the chaos. Believing that which you focus on will ultimately expand, we focused on a better future for all. This knowledge that we were helping to make a healthy, positive change enabled us to persevere, even in the toughest of circumstances.  

There are many reasons to eat plant-based whole foods—both for nutritious and ethical benefits. Some of these benefits include a healthier body, animal welfare and less greenhouse emissions in the environment. As a result, more people are turning to plant-based, gluten-free and vegan diets each day. 

Just one short year later, Nutritious You Plant-Based Café grew into a second location, the Palmer’s Nutritious You Plant-Based Café, located in the Crossings Mall. The space was once a well-known Sarasota landmark called Toojays. We even started offering a plant-based Reuben because so many old Toojays customers were still coming in.  

This beautifully decorated, spacious area has enabled us to accommodate sizeable groups and host special events. Recently, we also opened a third location, Nutritious You Cortez, conveniently located inside the Esporta Fitness Center in Bradenton. This location is a smaller, scaled-down version of the original café, where customers can enjoy plant-based smoothies, fresh juices and acai bowls.     

NA: What are some of your customers’ favorite menu items? Are there any particular standouts, that you recommend to someone who might be hesitant to try plant-based eating?   

Palmer: One of our customer favorites is the Rainbow Flatbread. This flatbread is made from dehydrated vegetables, then topped with a homemade vegan cheese, fermented carrots and pickled onions. We also offer many traditional American favorites approved by our non-vegan customers such as the Palmer’s  Burger, the Steakhouse Burger and, of course, the Reuben. All of these sandwiches are plant-based with no cholesterol or nitrates, but have the same amount of protein as you’ll find in a regular sandwich.  

NA: Where do you source most of the ingredients from? Why is it important to be vigilant about the overall quality and nutrient-density of the ingredients featured on your menu?  

Palmer: We source organic, natural ingredients from as many local farmers and vendors as we can. Quality is important because we care about what we’re serving. Almost all the ingredients we use are organic and non-GMO from reliable whole food sources. For example, our granola is made with real maple syrup and gluten-free oats. We also offer fresh fruit toppings for our acai bowls with specific wellness enhancing benefits, such as goji berries, chia seeds, mulberries, ashwagandha and wheat grass.   

NA: Southwest Florida has become increasingly more health conscious in recent years, so what specifically sets Nutritious You apart from other plant-based restaurants in this area?  

Palmer: All of our restaurant locations are family owned and operated. My husband Mario Palmer was the master mind behind opening these plant-based cafés after being inspired by the 2010 documentary “Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead.” In this film, an Australian Man named Joe Cross was able to heal himself from illness by juice fasting for 60 days. Similar to Joe’s experience, Mario was also able to heal himself from various conditions by juicing. 

As for me, I started out in Alaska working in Indian Health Services over 30 years ago, then went on to work for both Sarasota Memorial hospital and Manatee Memorial Hospital. Shortly thereafter, I started my own travel ultrasound company. I also worked all over Southwest Florida in numerous cardiac and vascular physician offices. 

During my time in these offices I witnessed so much disease, with patients always asking the same question: “How do I prevent plaque in my arteries?” This led me to an obligation to learn more. I received a certification in Plant-Based Nutrition from Cornell University, so I could confidently speak about what I had already been studying for several years.  

This enabled me to share information on the benefits of a plant-based diet, as well as see improvements in those who wanted to achieve better health. I now have the immense pleasure of doing this for our customers at Nutritious You Plant-Based Cafés. 

We could not have started any of these restaurants without the help and hard work of our daughter Marina Palmer. She has been incremental to the success of this business and plays a vital role in daily operations.  

As a teenager, she witnessed positive changes in her father after studying personal development and adopting a plant-based diet. Marina is wise beyond her years, and she exhibits amazing competence, determination and work ethic. Together, we all strive to develop a strong team and a positive work environment for those who want to help us make a difference in the world, one plate at a time.  

Nutritious You Plant-Based Café is located ta 6583 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key. Palmer’s Nutritious You Plant-Based Café is located at 3501 S Tamiami Trail, Unit 305, Sarasota. Nutritious You Cortez is located at 1005 Cortez Road, Bradenton. For more information, email [email protected] or visit NutritiousYou.com.  

Mary-Elizabeth Schurrer is the Managing Editor of Natural Awakenings Sarasota–Manatee. She also works as a freelance writer, blogger and social media marketer. Her personal blog HealthBeAHippie.Wordpress.com features tips for embracing an active, nutritious, balanced and empowered lifestyle.