HAMDEN, Conn.- A new health food establishment opened its doors to the Hamden community on Jan. 13. Fresh Greens & Proteins, located at 3450 Whitney Avenue, distances itself from the other greasy food establishments located around the Mount Carmel Campus.
Interior View of Fresh Greens & Proteins | Photo by Pat Hickey
Fresh Greens & Proteins mission statement is to create healthy options so you can eat better, which allows you to feel better and live better. This mission statement is achievable with the wide variety of healthy options, which include a fruit smoothie, shakes, specialty salads, rice bowls, acai bowls, wraps and parfait.
The menu is tailored towards the customers’ needs with the options to create your own of any of the categories listed above. One ingredient that Fresh Greens and Proteins offers that you don’t see too often is CBD. CBD can be added to any smoothie, shake, açaí bowl or parfait.
“I have been waiting for a restaurant that serves healthy food like this to open around main campus for years,” said Quinnipiac University senior Avery Hayes (‘20).
AJ Cooney blending a Cinnabunn Smoothie | Photo by Pat Hickey
The location of Fresh Greens & Proteins is not only close to many local businesses, but it’s also within walking distance from Main Campus and a quick shuttle ride from York Hill to the polling institute. Part-owner AJ Cooney is familiar with the area, and is happy the way that business is currently going.
“Students love the smoothie shakes and the açaí bowls,” Cooney said. “People usually have to go into New Haven to get this stuff.”
What makes this establishment stick out compared to others on Whitney Ave. and in Hamden is the mentality of not only focusing on Quinnipiac students, but the people of Hamden as well.
“I’ve seen a lot of repeat Hamden locals, obviously the students are apart of it, but they aren’t the majority yet,” said Cooney.
If you’re looking for some popular choices, the Rice Bowls, Acai Bowls and the PB&J Protein shake are a must.