NewCanaanite.com (https://newcanaanite.com/embody-fitness-gourmet-opens-for-business-on-forest-street-42866)
Embody is the first merchant to occupy Forest Street's brand-new Heritage Square complex. Credit: Terry Dinan
A look at the interior of Embody on its first day of business, Sept. 22, 2016. Credit: Terry Dinan
Embody's pre-launch promotion runs through this week. Credit: Terry Dinan
Embody will serve blends, juices, salad bowls and several other gourmet items. Credit: Terry Dinan
As builders are putting the finishing touches on Heritage Square, the new mixed retail-residential building on Forest Street, the complex’s first street-level merchant has opened its doors.
Embody Fitness Gourmet welcomed its first customers last Thursday, kicking off a soft-opening “pre-launch” campaign. The Forest Street outpost is Embody owner Gillen Bryan’s third location and also the biggest, featuring plenty of seating and space where clientele can stay and enjoy the cafe’s quick-service, health-oriented cuisine.
“The buildout was phenomenal,” Bryan told NewCanaanite.com. “Working with our property developer Christopher Gatto was an awesome experience and we really worked together build out a fantastic space to really enhance the customer experience. Now the customer experience matches the food and we’re excited to see what the people think.”
Bryan opened his first Embody in Darien in 2008 followed by a second in Westport in 2012, and said that opening a third location in New Canaan made sense.
“It’s great to bring our fitness-inspired eatery to New Canaan where there are a lot of like-minded individuals where fitness and health are at a key central point in their lives,” Bryan said. “Our menu breaks down into foods that are very quick-service and fast for the on-the-go lifestyle, so any of our protein blends that we do—fresh ingredients, fresh-grinded nut butters—are real easy on-the-go options for those who are making a healthy choice for themselves.”
In addition to the protein blends, Embody’s menu features juices, salads, breakfast bowls and gourmet coffee items. Along with on-street parking, there are several dedicated spaces for Embody customers within the Heritage Square complex.
“We got off to a great start Thursday on Day One and had great feedback on our salads, which we’re excited about,” Bryan said. “And we are excited to add the coffee portion of the menu. Coffee plays an important part in fitness and we’re excited to offer a high-end Intelligentsia Coffee blend.”
Embody Fitness Gourmet, 21 Forest Street, 866-534-1012. Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:30 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.; Saturday, 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.; Sunday, 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
