“It’s not something that you see every day,” says Rahmy Tawfik. “Spirulina does have a lot of health properties, and it also gives us that beautiful blue color.”
Rahmy and his wife, Arielle, own Grain & Berry in Holly Springs, the first North Carolina location of the Florida-based franchise.
Owners Arielle and Rahmy Tawfik
and their daughters
Isabella and Layla
A poster on the eatery’s wall extolls the health benefits of the blue-green algae: It is rich in iron, calcium, chlorophyll, beta carotene, and full of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
“Some people, when they hear it’s an algae, they kind of shy away. But when they start hearing the health benefits, they say, ‘I’ll do it for the health benefits.’”
If you’re wary of spirulina’s aquatic origins, Rahmy assures, “It doesn’t add a ton of flavor.”
Blending flavors is a special consideration at Grain & Berry, because the smoothies, bowls, and juices don’t contain added sugar or artificial ingredients.
“We layer in flavors, rather than adding sugar or unnecessary ingredients. We add in elements that are beneficial or will give it a little bit more depth without changing the base flavors,” Rahmy says.
The Detox Juice, featuring spirulina, is a prime example.
“It has basil in it that adds a layer of flavor. We also add sea salt and lemon. It really has the accents that accompany everything else and make it a full-flavored drink,” Rahmy says.
Rahmy and Arielle ate frequently at Grain & Berry in Florida during their undergrad and graduate school years. The pair now live and work in Holly Springs (they both work full time at Amgen) and wanted to bring their favorite restaurant to the community they love.
“Our sign up there says it all: Where healthy meets delicious,” says Rahmy, pointing to the neon pink lettering ablaze near the front entrance.
“It’s really hard to find healthy options that are also delicious. And when you come in here, we put a huge emphasis on customer service and hospitality. … We want you leaving with a smile.”
