When David Lewis left prison in 2013, the thought of going back scared him.
The Neptune native decided then and there that he would change his life for the better. And he tried in a number of ways.
“Trying and failing a few times when I was younger left me in a dark place,” said Lewis, 35, who spent most of his twenties incarcerated for drug-related crimes. “But finally understanding there was another way to succeed really pushed me forward.”
After some thought, he remembered he had a gift for the culinary arts. So, he applied and worked in various restaurants as a chef, before he and two friends opened MacroBites in 2019.
Located in Asbury Park, MacroBites is a Black-owned, health-conscious meal prep company that focuses on wellness and nutrition in urban communities.
Jointly owned by Lewis, Jarrette Atkins, and Fritz Georges, the company services hundreds of people daily with affordable prices for their meals – burgers for $11, shrimp platters for $10, and vegan tacos for $13 – while partnering with other organizations to give free meals to the homeless.
But after years in business, the owners say it hasn’t always been a walk in the park.
“We’ve had our ups and downs, but consistency has brought us where we are today,” Atkins, 35, said. “We simply never give up, even when it’s hard.”
In the United States, around 300,000 people die from obesity each year, according to the National Institutes of Health.). In New Jersey, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 36% of adults are overweight and 27% are obese.
Asbury Park City Councilwoman Yvonne Clayton says the business is an inspiration for many in the city.
“David, Fritz, and Jarrette, are three amazing young black men who have brought their wonderful story and vibe to Asbury Park,” she said. “They have created a healthy, nutritious and delicious menu in a community that frequently experiences high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. These entrepreneurs are community focused and give back in many ways - including free food giveaways weekly.”
Fritz, 37, said he wants young people to never give up.
“Don’t be afraid or discouraged because you might not have it all figured out yet,” he said. “Sometimes that can take a lifetime. The trick is to never give up on your goals and dreams.”
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Deion Johnson may be reached at djohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Instagram at @DeionRJohnson or X @DeionRJohhnson
