Wilton restaurateur Victor Melendez says he has as much invested in making Wilton smart as he does in helping the town eat healthy. Now the owner of Naked Greens has come up with a unique way to do both.
He’s partnering with the local schools, starting with Cider Mill’s PTA. He’s created an “Adopt-a-School” promotion to donate $1.00 to the PTA every time a person spends $12 or more and shows a coupon he’s created for the program.
“I live here, my kids go to school here. They’re both at Cider Mill, in 3rd and 5th grade. I want to share some community ‘goodness,’” Melendez said, adding that the Wilton school on the receiving end of the donation may change each month.
The program lasts during October and runs entirely on social media. People need to log on and register at www.nakedgreens.com to sign up for the download the coupon. In addition, by signing up customers will be able to use many other discount coupon offers Melendez has created–20 percent off dinner, 25 percent off breakfast, 10 percent off after school for high school students, and more. But they do need to register on the Naked Greens website to get access.
Melendez has done a similar program for Norwalk, adopting a school there where his other store is located.
It helps Melendez increase his business marketing base as well. “It helps me get my name out there, and hopefully helps people come in and try what we offer if they haven’t tried it before. I try to have healthy food, and also healthy food that the whole family, especially kids, like.”
He is exploring other ideas to work with community groups to give back. “I’d love to bring kids in for a field trip and they can learn how to make salads, learn about healthy nutrition–I’m all for teaching kids how to be healthier. This ‘Adopt-a-School’ is my first idea but the sky’s the limit,” Melendez said.
In addition to design-your-own salads, there are different options available, from a full soup bar to grilled cheese, sandwiches and wraps. Naked Greens website touts that everything “is made fresh in house, everyday, in the raw – with no artificial ingredients. From hearty, handmade, savory soups chock full of wholesome ingredients – to taste-tempting salads/wraps made from scratch and packed with crisp greens and an infusion of exotic flavors – Naked Greens serves up daily dine-in dishes and easy on-the-go alternatives for your healthy lifestyle.”
In addition, Melendez offers a number of locally-made, locally-sourced desserts and treats.
Naked Greens is located at 239 Danbury Rd. (Rt. 7).