After ten years exploring and experiencing the various facets of the hospitality industry, Courtney Tonge realized there was a shortcoming when it came to focusing on leading a healthy lifestyle within restaurant culture. After dealing with stress with unhealthy coping mechanisms, Tonge took a break from the hospitality industry.
“During that break, I realized how different and special people in the hospitality industry are. How we all banded together to support each other through anything. How powerful our networking skills were. How we take care of hundreds of people a day but still don’t manage to pay attention to caring for ourselves,” Tonge explains.
As Tonge progressed her new healthy lifestyle routine, friends from the hospitality industry reached out for guidance, and she knew there was a need for a platform in the Tampa Bay Area for a wellness program specifically designed for the industry that continues to blossom. That's when she decided to create 21 Reps & Over.
“In an effort to support the people I care about most. In order to really start to address just how neglected some of us have been. A space is created to focus on our needs before others.”
21 Reps & Over is a lifeline for hospitality workers to prevent burnout, and find balance in their lives off the clock. Tonge’s mission is to accommodate professionals in their own individual health and wellness journey.
The program's motto, "We are serving ourselves so we can serve you."
21 Reps & Over offers personalized programs for 1:1 training, consultations for business owners, hospitality wellness seminars and team building.
In honor of the platform's debut, Nebraska Mini-Mart in Seminole Heights will be hosting a launch party on Tuesday, July 9.
Chef and owner of Nebraska Mini-Mart, Rooster & the Till and Gallito, Ferrell Alvarez is behind the project.
"Once I decided to commit fully to being healthy and taking better care of my body, my life, and energy levels drastically changed for the better. I've never felt more focused and strong both physically and mentally as I do now. Understanding balance was key for me. Now I thrive on waking up and exercising, caring for myself every day and achieving more than I did the previous day. Garyvee(Gary Vaynerchuk) said it best the other day, "I haven't even begun, I'm dead fucking serious, I'm only in warm-up mode!'" Alvarez says.
Here is where you can learn about Tampa Bay's hospitality health and wellness program and meet founder Courtney Tonge.
The event kicks off at 3 p.m., with the support of Cigar City Crossfit, followed by a free bocce tournament at 4 p.m.
There will also be a raffle and 20% industry discount all day.
Nebraska Mini-Mart is located at 2815 N. Nebraska Ave.
Cheers to the evolution of hospitality culture and wellness.
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