Today we’d like to introduce you to Poppy Holguin.
Hi Poppy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Jan’s opened in 1972 in the back of a surf shop on Main street in Huntington Beach. The then-single-unit restaurant carved out a niche for itself as Huntington Beach’s healthy hot spot for locals and surfers. I’m a Huntington Beach native … my journey with Jan’s began long before an opportunity for ownership was even on the table. As a child, I frequented Jan’s and got my first job behind the counter at 15, alongside Jan. I worked for Jan throughout high school – from 1988-1991. I continued to frequent the store long after I worked there. Ultimately, during one of my visits in 2009, Jan expressed interest in selling. Jan wanted to sell the business to someone who respected the brand and believed in its mission of making healthy food accessible and approachable. At the time, I was working in marketing in Los Angeles (commuting from HB) and saw this as an opportunity to make a change.
I believed in the brand/product and respected what she had created over the last 38 years. In addition, the idea of it all coming full circle held a special place for me. I saw that there was an opportunity to enhance and expand on what was created.
In 2010, I purchased the original Huntington Beach location. Since then I have expanded the brand to four additional stores: Costa Mesa in 2013, Laguna Beach in 2015, Corona del Mar in 2017, and Irvine in 2021. In 2018, I renovated the brand’s flagship location, expanding it from 800 square feet to 2000 square feet. Last year Jan’s celebrated 50 years in business. This Summer I will be opening my 6th location — A second store in Huntington Beach (North HB).
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Challenges —
Rising Food Costs
Growing Operation Costs
Increased Cost to Build Out & Lease Space
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Jan’s Health Bar?
In 1972, Jan’s Health Bar opened with a simple mission: to make healthy food accessible and approachable for everyone, serving nutritious food made with fresh ingredients from local vendors. While the benefits of eating healthy are endless, the goal of Jan’s is to help the customer cut through the confusion of the latest health trend or “diet” by providing them with a well-rounded menu of sandwiches, salads, wraps, bowls, and smoothies that promote a balanced, healthy lifestyle.
Eating healthy does not have to be so difficult .. .our menu offers the key nutrients that we need to function at our best. And it’s delicious! As a society, we’ve never been so unhealthy, yet the health industry has never been bigger, wealthier, and trendier. True wellness lies in simple, whole ingredients, We’ve expanded the menu here and there but remain true to the brand’s original ethos. Honest, approachable food never goes out of style.
Original offerings like the Peanut Butter Banana Date smoothie, Avocado Sandwich, The Classic Salad and the most popular, the Tuna Salad Sandwich remain available today, continuing to be customer favorites for over 50 years.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There was not a specific person or mentor that played a role in my success.
Independence, Security and a Peace of Mind are what drove me to build my business (and they continue to drive me). I know what the alternative feels like so there has always a fire in me to succeed.
What keeps me going… my team, my customers, and my family.
Contact Info:
- Website: janshealthbar.com
- Instagram: @janshealthbar/@alongcamepoppy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janshealthbar/
Image Credits
Our photographer is: Nicole Wilson — Chasing Poppies Photography
