This June, celebrity bodyguard-turned-entrepreneur Chris Kingen will expand his farm-to-bottle juice bar concept, Wellness Grub, with the opening of two new Miami locations, at the Equinox Fitness Clubs in South Beach (520 Collins Avenue) and Four Seasons Hotel Miami (1435 Brickell Avenue.) Since April 2017, Kingen has opened three other South Florida locations at Brickell Heights, Aventura Mall and the Shops at Merrick Park.“I’m thrilled to bring my special blends of organic juices and smoothies to the health-conscious South Beach community, as well as offer another convenient spot for residents, businesses and visitors to pick-up nutritious grub in bustling Downtown Miami,” says Kingen, a Brickell resident. “Wellness Grub is the perfect way to fuel up pre-or-post workout, or enjoy while on the run.”
*Read: Former Celebrity Bodyguard Opening Wellness Grub at Equinox Fitness Clubs in South Florida*
Open to the public, Wellness Grub serves grab-n-go, cold-pressed juices, smoothies, shots, and tonics, made with 100% organic, locally-sourced produce from Brothers Organic Farmers Market, as well as raw superfood bites 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.“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,” Kingen adds.As a former bodyguard, Kingen, who is 6’7” and 240 lbs., 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.A self-made entrepreneur, Kingen first learned about diet and exercise from his former client, 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 products have a home at the premier fitness center. Although Kingen intended to start his juice business in Miami, the opportunity to open his first Wellness Grub at the Equinox in Lincoln Park, Chicago in 2015 was too good to pass up. Kingen received 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.Today, Wellness Grub is in a total of six locations – three in Miami and three in Chicago. South Beach and Four Seasons Miami will bring the number to 8. Kingen has plans to further expand the brand.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 blend on all things Wellness Grub at www.wellnessgrub.com and follow @wellnessgrub on Facebook and Instagram.
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