Today we’d like to introduce you to Alison Cruddas.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Alison. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I grew up in South Africa and have traveled extensively around the world I became a vegan 28 years ago and I have been a Chef for as long, I was doing mostly Private Chef work but loved going out to eat and drink around this beautiful city and see what was up and coming.
I noticed that there wasn’t many healthy and diverse options in the vegan dining scene in LA so decided to see if I could provide that and that is how Bodhi Bowl came to be! Our mission is inspire people to choose a healthier, greener more compassionate lifestyle through plant-based eating.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Well, I won’t say it’s been smooth but I think it’s been a little rocky but exciting road! Being a small business owner I have come to realize is very difficult, there are a lot of things that people don’t tell you! Mostly little expenses that come up that you haven’t budgeted for and of course the lack of sleep!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Bodhi Bowl is 100% vegan restaurant, actually what is called a quick service restaurant so no table service. I think what sets us apart from other places is that we make just about everything from scratch, all of our seitan (a wheat based protein), all our dressings and we chop our veggies daily. We have reciped bowls that were inspired by my travels and you can do a build your own as maybe not everyone likes my ideas. I really wanted people to have a large variety of good healthy options to choose from. We also do all-day breakfast, we have wraps, paninis, and smoothies too. Our breakfast wrap is a definite favorite! I am most proud of our customer service and the passion and dedication of my staff!
What were you like growing up?
I was a real Tomboy! I spent mt time riding bikes, climbing trees and generally having amazing time! I had loads of friends as was very quick with a dirty joke much to my mother’s chagrin! I have always been an animal lover and we had so many pets growing up, dogs, cats, birds, mice, ducks, chickens, snakes, scorpions, bats, hedgehog, a tortoise for a while so it was a bit of a zoo at our house! I loved to read and still do. My family camped for our holidays so lots of hiking and also swimming in the ocean. It truly was an incredible childhood!
Pricing:
- Bodhi Bowls – $10.75
- Build your own bowl- $9.75
- Wraps and Paninis- $10.50
Contact Info:
- Address: 645 W 9th St
#107 Los Angeles 90015
The entrance is actually on Hope St at 9th St - Website: bodhibowlla.com
- Phone: 213 622 6560
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @bodhibowl
- Facebook: bodhibowl
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/bodhi-bowl-los-angeles
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