Innovation

The innovation at Ono Grinds begins with their ingredients. The owners had never had ingredients as healthy and nutritious at the same time. They believed it was a unique eating experience that many people in the area probably never had. Their ability to "offer fresh food that tastes great and is great for you" has transformed the way students and professionals eat in the area. Their goal at Ono Grinds is to serve customers a satisfying lunch that will leave them energized for the rest of their school/work day. Poké, which means "to slice, or cut" in Hawaiian and refers to chunks of raw, marinated fish, is topped with rice and fresh vegetables. It can be thought of as a sushi roll unraveled. They also offer Acai, pitaya, and coconut bowls and shakes. Their variety allows customers to pick and choose what they want, while also adding some diversity so their meal can never be boring. They are able to bring the fresh ingredients from the tropics back to the east coast, giving customers a tropical break during their work/school day.

While being a nutritious choice, the ingredients they use are also fresh and locally sourced. They deliver their fish every day since raw fish must be served at its freshest point. Other ingredients such as fruits and vegetables are cut every morning. This ensures that the food is safer to eat and from a sustainably grown source.

Inspiration

The inspiration for Ono Grinds Poke began in 2014 when current owners Luis Valls-Amabile and Daniela Hoyos took a trip to Hawaii for vacation. Upon landing they noticed the varieties of options for fresh food and exquisite cuisine and took an immediate liking to the option of having fresh fish with savory sauces. The food opened their food pallet where the pair quickly realized that "there is nothing like this back home on the East Coast". Remembering the struggles to find local healthy food, both Luis and Daniela knew they wanted to bring the same experience back to their community stating "we wanted to create healthy, on the go, unique superfoods that offered a tropical escape". With the need to share their experience and bring back amazing food that "left us feeling energized, without sacrificing flavor for health", both Luis and Daniela founded Ono Grinds Poke to do just that.

Overall impact

Ono Grinds Poke uses its unique customer experience in order to differentiate itself in the highly-competitive food market. Offering a wide array of student discounts through partnerships with Rutgers University- Newark, NJIT, Essex County Community College and charter schools located in the University Heights section of Newark, Ono Grinds Poke strives to build lasting connections with the local millennial consumer.

Ono Grinds Poke team members service customers by preparing their food right in front of them through clear glass panels. Through this unique customer experience, the customer is involved in every step of the food preparation process.

In an analysis of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, Ono Grinds Poke's commitment to Good Health and Well-Being (#3), Decent Work and Economic Growth (#8) and Sustainable Cities and Communities (#11) can all be seen through the incorporation of sustainability into their business model.

It is no accident that Ono Grinds Poke is investing so heavily into Newark, the largest city in New Jersey, in terms of developing relationships within the Greater Newark community in order to exercise its social responsibility to the environment.

Business benefit

From a business standpoint, Ono Grinds Poke has caught the attention of many different organizations that have a real passion for achieving sustainability in urban centers, much like Newark, New Jersey. One of Ono Grinds Poke's most notable partnerships is with the Newark Community Economic Development Corporation which hosted a Grand Opening for the restaurant in 2014.

They have also collaborated with ABC's "The Chew", a nationally-syndicated and Emmy Award-winning television show geared towards healthy lifestyle and food enthusiasts. This show details daily taste explorations into unique cultures and food options alongside a decorated panel of chefs, foodies and culinary connoisseurs.

As a result of being featured on ABC's "The Chew", this national recognition has helped inspire local brand recognition, and has created more local partnerships with community-based organizations in Newark.

Social and environmental benefit

The innovation has benefited society through the growing trend of maintaining healthy and clean diets and lifestyles among millennial consumers. Vegetarians and Vegans are attracted to Ono Grinds Poke's commitment to using fresh and sustainably-sourced ingredients in food items that are affordably-priced.

Environmentally, Ono Grinds Poke's commitment to sustainably-sourced ingredients has also benefited the environment though a conscious effort to carry out its social responsibility to preserve the environment. With Newark being the largest city in New Jersey, Ono Grinds Poke's environmental benefit is especially unique.

Interview

Luis Valls-Amabile, Owner