Launching a Black-owned ready-to-eat meal company

Three former inmates turned themselves into successful entrepreneurs by opening the nation’s first Black-owned prepared-meal company. According to Black Business, Dave Lewis, Jarrette Atkins and Fritz Georges, owners and founders of MacroBites, founded their company in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Their mission is evident website: “Promoting health and well-being through mental health, physical health and nutrition.”

Open daily, MacroBites is a restaurant that also provides its customers with catering services. They offer free meals to the homeless population in the world through partnerships with local charities.

Lewis, the president, Atkins, the final manager, and Georges, the sous chef, opened MacroBites in 2019. All three men were incarcerated, but apparently they didn’t let those dark times define their future.

“I’m trying and it failed several times when I was younger, he left me in a dark place,” Lewis said . “But finally realizing that there was another way to be successful really pushed me forward.”

Lewis and Atkins took culinary classes while in prison. When they began their business, although the goal was to generate profits, it wasn’t the one goal. They wanted to point out others that folks who’ve made mistakes can still succeed. They also wanted to focus on the healthy features of eating to assist combat health issues within the black community.

“Early in life, we fell into the mistaken circles and behaviors. We were in a position to come together, grow and construct this beautiful company that helps rebuild the community and represents youth so that they don’t fall into the identical traps we did,” Atkins said.

“Don’t be afraid or discouraged because you may not have it all figured out yet,” Georges said. “Sometimes it may well take a lifetime. The trick is to never hand over in your goals and dreams.

You can visit MacroBites at 1201 Springwood Ave., Asbury Park or get more information online via MacroBites.com and on Instagram @_MacroBites.