The Nutrition Factory is set to become Tampa's newest place for healthful, speedy eats.
Opening Feb. 25, the fast-casual Nutrition Factory — founded by former NFL wide receiver Joseph Galloway and board-certified radiologist Michael Youssef in 2014 — is headed for 3251 W. Hillsborough Ave. The dining spot, adjacent to the Powerhouse Gym Athletic Club, will specialize in nutrient-dense bowls, wraps, salads, juices, shakes and smoothies.
Lifelong friends, Youssef and Galloway grew up together, but chose different career paths. Galloway, a college football analyst for ESPN, had a successful 16-year stint in the NFL, playing for teams like the Dallas Cowboys and the region's own Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while Youssef, who's affiliated with St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa, got a degree in economics from Brown University (where he also played collegiate football) before obtaining his M.D.
The founders' ties to nutrition and health in their respective careers led them to establish The Nutrition Factory, a concept they considered to be lacking in the realm of fast-casual dining.
"First and foremost we are part of the fitness and wellness community," Youssef and Galloway said in a joint statement. "We are committed to providing our customers with only the best ingredients. These truly craveable combinations not only taste amazing but also make you feel great after working out and energize the rest of your day."
Paleo, gluten-free, vegan and low-carb offerings are among the menu options, all of which are made-to-order, as are build-your-own protein shakes that call for almond milk, organic cold-pressed juices created on-site daily, superfood smoothies featuring those juices, and bowls, salads or wraps with ingredients like antibiotic- and hormone-free meats and house-made sauces.
"My passion has always been in nutrition and fitness and now I get to perfect and grow a concept I truly believe in," according to general manager Anthony Santos. "Our menu allows customers to customize the fresh, natural ingredients we use to make their ideal bowl, salad, wrap, shake or smoothie."
Once its doors open, The Nutrition Factory will fulfill dine-in orders for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as takeout requests by phone. It plans to operate 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
