Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Yacoubian.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m a former LAUSD teacher with a passion for food. After almost 18 years with LAUSD – my family and I moved to Montreal, Quebec, Canada. I was introduced to the Fruit cocktail and AMAZING crepes and waffles in Quebec. The food had a Mediterranean/Lebanese twist to it. This played into my own cultural heritage, so I was intrigued that I had never had it before.
Our stay/move to Montreal was short-lived, but the taste of the food lingered in my memory. So, I decided to open my own fruit cocktail, crepe, waffle, and dessert spot with a Lebanese/Mediterranean twist, named Fruzion in Los Angeles. The journey has been a very interesting one to say the least. From spearheading a new concept to being copied many times, to being televised, to being controversial, to being sued…… the four years journey now is still unraveling. It’s components are colorful and confusing.
Fruzion is a passion that is ever evolving.
We are always listening to our people.
As a mother of two teenagers, I also advocate for education, educational opportunities, and rights. Yes – I can create a crepe and provide educational counseling all at the same time.
Has it been a smooth road?
Oh no!!! Not Smooth at all.
But nothing worthy ever is!
To begin with, it’s a brand new venture for me, so I had to start from scratch.
From learning to make crepes for finding local fruit vendors, etc.
Then the copycats. I was being copied by everyone.
Expenses, rumors, you name it!! It has not Been smooth at all!! But very eye opening about the entire process. I’ve seen the different kinds of people that exist. The kind and generous to the deceitful and down right mean ones.
My entire family has had to sacrifice something for me and Fruzion.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Fruzion – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Fruzion is very proud to be the first to make Lebanese/Mediterranean fruit cocktails in Los Angeles – I think even in CA.
Fruzion makes custom crepes and has been voted best crepes by ABC, yelp, and several foodies. I’m so proud that in the short time we were open- we were making waves. People were talking and buzzing about my small little cafe. Soon after opening we were featured by Ktla on Burroughs Bites, featured on the social media platform foodbeast, and several others, ABC 7 community channel and soon on Eye on LA on ABC airing July 14.
What sets me apart is that Fruzion is truly unique and AMAZING!!! You can create almost anything you want with the ingredients in the cafe- there are no limits!!!
Being the first to bring this concept to LA we had no gage as to how LA would react to the concept, so we just dove in. Fruzion doesn’t don’t skimp on anything, we use high quality, customizable products made in front of the customers, and we to use organic/local produce.
I will soon be opening a new location called Fruzion Express by CSUN in August 2019.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Love LA!!! The valley is home. Born and raised in the SFV!!! I love the heat, the large properties, the sense of community, and it’s relatively close to the city, beaches, snow, etc.
I don’t like the traffic and the cost of living is very high.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fruzion.com
- Phone: 818-860-7818
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @fruzion1
- Facebook: FruzionLA
- Twitter: FruzionLA
- Yelp: Fruzion
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
