First Black-Owned Ready-To-Eat Meal Prep Company, MacroBites Launched In New Jersey

Three men who previously served time in jail have come together to become successful entrepreneurs who have launched the first national Black-owned ready-to-eat meal prep company.

According to Black Business, the three men, Dave Lewis, Jarrette Atkins, and Fritz Georges are the owners and founders of MacroBites, which is based in Asbury Park, N.J. The men started the company with a particular mission according to the MacroBites website: “To promote health and well-being through mental health, physical health, and nutrition.”

MacroBites is a restaurant that also provides catering services to its customers. They are open daily while also giving free meals to the homeless population in the area. They have partnerships with local organizations to serve the needs of those who need it.

Lewis, who is the president, Atkins, the CEO, and Georges, who holds the position of Sous Chef, opened MacroBites in 2019. All three men have been incarcerated but didn’t let those dark times continue to lead them down the wrong path.

“Trying and failing a few times when I was younger left me in a dark place,” Lewis told Eyewitness News. “But finally understanding there was another way to succeed really pushed me forward.”

Lewis and Atkins took culinary courses while they were imprisoned. When they did start the business, although making money was a goal, it wasn’t the only one. They wanted to show others that people who have made mistakes early can still be successful. They also wanted to emphasize the healthy aspects of eating to help combat the health problems that Black people deal with daily.

“We fell into the wrong circles and behaviors early on in life. And we were able to come together and grow and build this beautiful company that we have that helps to restore the community and act as representation for the youth so they don’t fall into the same traps that we did,” Atkins said.

“Don’t be afraid or discouraged because you might not have it all figured out yet,” Georges stated. “Sometimes that can take a lifetime. The trick is to never give up on your goals and dreams.”

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