Celebrity bodyguard-turned-entrepreneur Chris Kingen transformed his passion for healthy living into a rapidly-expanding business with the creation of Wellness Grub, a farm-to-bottle juice bar concept, located inside six Equinox Fitness Clubs in the U.S. Since April 2017, Kingen has opened three of those locations in South Florida (Brickell Heights, Aventura and Coral Gables) and is planning two new spots - coming soon in Miami.“My dream originally was to open a juice bar in Miami, but at the time, starting a new business in South Florida proved to be a challenge,” says Kingen. “I’m thrilled to finally bring my special blends of organic fruits and vegetable juices to the South Florida community.”Wellness Grub, which is open to non-Equinox members as well, serves grab-n-go, cold-pressed juices, smoothies, shots, tonics, and raw superfood bites and desserts made with 100% organic, locally-sourced ingredients to fuel and replenish the body and mind. Smoothies and juices can also be made-to-order at select locations. Many menu items are Kingen’s original blends, created while on the road working exhausting hours as a bodyguard for high-profile celebrities including music producer Dr. Dre, songstress Lisa Marie Presley, in addition to international diplomats.There are dozens of juices and smoothies to select from at Wellness Grub. Two of Kingen’s signature drinks – the Green Protein Ultra smoothie and Vital Greens juice – are rich in Vitamin A, iron and magnesium. Several favorites include the Citrus Glo, which features grapefruit, orange and lemon, while the beet-red Tru Blood juice is full of antioxidants to support the kidneys and liver.The bright, colorful shots and tonics are packed with concentrated doses of healing herbs, such as ginger, turmeric, cilantro, blue green algae, and ginseng. Food items include Mung Bean Pesto Pasta, Goji Berry Bites, Orange Vanilla Chia Pudding, Hummus, Kale Salad, and more. Additionally, Wellness Grub offers three juice cleanse programs suited for individual needs.Kingen adds, “I founded Wellness Grub out of a passion to live a healthy lifestyle and also help others. Our customers know that what they are putting into their body is going to make them feel good. Every ingredient has a purpose.”As a former bodyguard, Kingen had to use readily available ingredients during his travels and to this day, most of his smoothies continue to be reverse osmosis water-based. Smoothies are hand-blended and measured to the exact ounce to ensure the taste and quality of each product is always consistent. For optimal quality and an eco-friendly approach, products are packaged in glass bottles.At 38 years old, Kingen is a self-made entrepreneur who first learned about diet and exercise from his former client and mentor, Dr. Dre. In order to meet the demands of his job and eliminate processed foods from his diet, Kingen began traveling with a NutriBullet to make his own high-energy, nutrient-dense smoothies. Later, while working for the Saudi royal family, he deepened his knowledge of healthy foods and healing herbs, such as Mucuna pruriens and Shou Wu, which are incorporated into several of his products.Kingen is a longtime Equinox member so it only made sense that his farm-to-bottle-and-table products have a home at the premier fitness center. He opened his first Wellness Grub in 2015 in Lincoln Park, Chicago with help from co-founder/partner Brian Ottmer, who assisted with menu creation and learned about nutrition and nutrient-dense food and smoothies while working in California.Currently residing in Miami, Kingen credits his mom, sister Heather, brother-in-law Rick, and friend Kathy Krenger for encouraging him to pursue his dreams. He partners with local businesses and events, including Equinox’s upcoming Cycle for Survival, to inspire others to live well.Get the scoop on all things Wellness Grub at www.wellnessgrub.com and follow @wellnessgrub on Facebook and Instagram.
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