Smoothie and Steady Wins the Race
Hope Mallett is in it for the long run.
The owner of the Green & Grain has persevered in a business where many stumble.
The wrap, sandwich and smoothie shop opened in St. James 12 years ago, moving to the 3131 Portage Avenue location where it has been for the past five years.
Mallett is an experienced marathoner. As a runner, she has learned how to fuel her body. Her knowledge informs the heathy selections on the Green & Grain menu, from the house-made falafel to the popular Cajun and Greek chicken wraps.
A surprise in the years since starting the business arrived with the introduction of Skip the Dishes. Orders placed through the delivery service now account for as much as 20% of the restaurant’s business. She recently added Door Dash as a delivery option as well.
She said it has been rewarding to get to know her customers, with many of them who have grown up with the shop – including Nolan Patrick, 20, who plays for the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers and still comes in for a bite when he’s home in Winnipeg.
Staying the course hasn’t always been easy. The first years as an owner were tough before the business took off. Opening a second location was also a lesson in taking on too much, leaving Mallett to the challenging decision to close it and refocusing on the Portage Avenue shop.
Between running a business and running marathons, Mallett said she struggles to find balance. “On my day off, I’m not really resting.” “It takes guts,” she said of becoming an entrepreneur, adding that after being her own boss, it would be hard to do anything else despite the risks. Twelve years in and debt-free, by putting one foot in front of the other, she’s proven herself up to the challenge.
Photos by Claudine Gervais
