Meet Patricia Bermúdez | Owner and Founder of Healthy Food Chain

We had the good fortune of connecting with Patricia Bermúdez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Patricia, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I have to be honest; at the beginning I never thought my business would grow to be this big.
It all started off as a hobby. When I saw things were getting more serious, I decided to sit down with my dad, who is my counselor and put everything on the table. We discussed how we were going to open a healthy restaurant in a country where “healthy” is not a trend yet. How would we manage to export our products to different countries, since we had many clients not only in the Dominican Republic.

The first thing I did after this conversation was create a “vision board” of how I imagined myself handling the business and wrote detailed steps on how to get there.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Acasa and Skinny Cravings started off in 2018 as a hobby when I started the university. During the summer, everytime I went back home I would bake healthy sweets and share them with my family and friends. The word went around and random people started texting me wanting my desserts. I started to sell my desserts to locals. All of this cooking alone from my home kitchen. In a blink of an eye I was selling my desserts to local restaurants, markets and stores all around the country in 2019. I had to hire two helpers to help me cook, pack and distribute all of our orders on time.

When the pandemic came and we were all in our homes I could not stop thinking of how could I keep growing my small business. In one of the long conversations with my family, we agreed to the idea of opening a small restaurant / cafe where we could sell our current products and have a menu of healthy food options.

This is where Acasa was born. Acasa, sister brand to Skinny Cravings is a restaurant focused on serving casual breakfast, lunch and dinner. It had a wide variety of healthy bowls, salads and wraps. We have also included a healthy market where you can buy any of our products and Skinny Cravings desserts.

Coming this far has not been easy. There have been many ups and downs but I am sure that I still have so much to learn in this business! As a young entrepreneur I can find myself hesitant to make decisions not knowing where it would lead me. I have learned that having a plan that you can follow and being surrounded by counselors who can guide you is the key to success in this business.
If I could give any young entrepreneur an advice it would be to NOT GIVE UP! When we face challenges, and don’t get the results we expected most of the time we think of giving up. Most of the challenges I faced when I started my project made me think I was never going to get where I am today.

I also have to admit that in my opinion the restaurant business can be very challenging but at the same time it can be something worthy and beautiful.

Today Acasa and Skinny Cravings are top of mind brands when looking for healthy, natural and organic products to eat. We have maintained an honest perception of us, showing our clients every thing we do is made with love and a group of employees that are passionate for what they do.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Miami is like my home. Even though I was born in the Dominican Republic and most of my work and family is there which is why I consider Miami my second home. Since a very young age my family and I would come for vacation spending all summer and winter here. I was lucky enough to study in the university of my dreams, University of Miami from 2017-2021. With that said I have many places I know you will love!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If you’re coming to Miami for the week these are my favorite things to do! Spend the day at Miami Beach. I am a loyal member to Soho Beach House, you can find me there almost every weekend! I love to spend the day at the beach, tan, order some refreshing food and drinks (you have to try their signature drink, Picante). If you’re not a member I highly recommend you to come to their restaurant, Cecconis for an all day Brunch on Sundays! The food is amazing P.S be sure to book in advance, it’s always full.

Design District, the place to see the best dressed, fancy cars and luxury stores in Miami. Spend the day walking around the stores and enjoying the ambiance of the sun in Miami. End your day having an early dinner at Mandolin Aegean Bistro. The food here won’t disappoint, it has been my favorite since the day it opened.

Since Miami is the best place for “healthy living” you have to wear your favorite activewear and go for a walk around Brickell key. Locals in Miami do this very frequently, you’ll come across beautiful views of Brickell, some yachts, and maybe even spot some sea animals! After walking around the key you can stop at many healthy cafes located in Brickell, some of my favorites are: Dr. Smood, located in BCC ; Ojo de Agua and Rosetta Bakery.

As a Miami local, I recommend these restaurants that I am sure will leave you mouth watering! Sapore di Mare, located in Coconut Grove, casual Italian dining. Order the cheese wheel pasta and thank me later!

As a fan of Japanese food I must admit that Azabu in Ocean Drive Miami Beach is my favorite Japanese of the many I have tried in Miami. Azabu is a very low key restaurant, you’ll encounter yourself an intimate dining experience with the most fresh fish.

Of course I have this one in my list, Pura Vida. Casual all day cafe serving healthy breakfast, lunch and early dinner. Go to any of their locations after working out and enjoy their nutrient full bowls and smoothies.

When it comes to night activities I like to stick to the miami basics. If you’re into tacos I highly recommend going to Bodega and partying in their speakeasy club and enjoy some tacos on your way out. One of the best tacos in Miami, trust me!

For a nice view of the city I recommend Sugar located in the East Hotel, Brickell. I love going there after work and ordering cocktails with friends, they have a hidden indoor lounge with more club vibes, it’s called the Tea Room. Be sure to book in advance or arrive early. It gets full most of the weekends.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would never have been able to be where I am today without my family. My whole family has supported my dream and passion for my business since day one. Since I started cooking from home, testing recipes that didn’t taste good, they would enjoy it with a smile on their faces and encourage me to not give up. They have been my number one supporters. My mom and my sister have been my right hand through the whole project. They have been there trying the recipes, guiding me to give my best performance and to never give up.

My dad and my two brothers have helped me a lot in the business administration and finance area of my company. They have taught me how to build a business from zero. My dad has walked me step by step on how to create a profitable business, just as he built his own. My brother would spend long nights calculating costs to see if the business would be profitable.

What motivates me more is to keep proving to them I am capable of keeping following my dreams and growing my business through the upcoming years. I could never be more thankful and grateful for them!

Website: www.shopskinnycravings.com

Instagram: skinnycravingz

Facebook: Skinny Cravings Co.