Amidst the high desert beauty of Northern Nevada, Great Full Gardens stands out as a beacon of health-conscious dining, and at the heart of their success is a refreshing initiative – a robust fresh juicing program powered by state-of-the-art equipment from Citrus America over the last seven years.
The restaurant chain, consisting of three full-service locations and a commissary, has seamlessly integrated Citrus America's juicers into its operations, enhancing not only the menu offerings but also the overall dining experience for its patrons.
The collaboration extends beyond just mere functionality; Citrus America's Citrocasa juicers serve as a marketing piece, captivating customers as they witness fresh orange juice being poured. Gino Scala, the visionary and co-founder of Great Full Gardens, emphasizes, "People see the fresh orange juice being poured, and they feel really good about it." The authenticity of the juicing process resonates with customers, creating a unique connection between the restaurant and its patrons.
"People see the fresh orange juice being poured, and they feel really good about it."
Great Full Gardens
The restaurant chain’s commitment to freshness doesn't stop at beverages; Great Full Gardens incorporates Citrus America's fresh juice into its recipes as well. Scala reveals, "At times, we'll make citrus salad dressings for our specials." This innovative use of fresh juice adds unique flavors to their dishes.
Great Full Gardens' dedication to providing wholesome and organic food aligns seamlessly with Citrus America's mission to change how America consumes and enjoys fresh citrus juice. Scala says, "We're just taking extra steps to ensure that everything we're doing is in line with the best possible option for our customer."
The success story of Great Full Gardens is woven into the fabric of its founders' passions. Gino and his wife, Juli, and their team have cultivated a loving culture within their restaurants. The focus on organic produce, wild seafood, grass-fed meat, and organic chicken reflects a commitment to both customer satisfaction and environmental responsibility. Gino, Juli, and their dedicated team contribute to the high quality of menu offerings that cater to diverse dietary needs, from vegan to gluten-free.
The roots of Great Full Gardens date back to 2013, when the first full-service restaurant opened in the Midtown District of Reno. Since then, the restaurant chain has expanded to multiple locations, including "The Kitchen by Great Full Gardens" and South Meadows and Sparks establishments. The growth of Great Full Gardens reflects the strong support from the community, who are drawn to the restaurant's unique and delicious menu.
In the realm of juicing solutions, Citrus America has established itself as a trusted provider of high-quality equipment to many food service operators and grocery retailers nationwide.
Brian Framson, the founder of Citrus America, recognized a gap in the market for reliable and efficient citrus juicing machines. Citrus America started marketing the Austrian-engineered Citrocasa citrus juicers across North America back in 2010. Citrus America aims to help customers earn "Healthy Profits" by focusing on taste, hygiene, and efficiency.
“It’s great having customers we can identify with,” Framson explains. “Jay Gardner and I were on business in Reno for a few days, and we ate at Great Full Gardens twice: great food and fantastic juices. In the meantime, I’ve recommended it to others I know who are traveling through the area, and I always get great feedback.”
Gino applauds Citrus America's approach: "They have a lot of passion, and they're awesome people. They do things differently than any company I've ever dealt with.”
He adds, “They are good at answering our messages and making sure that it's easy to get their parts and support.”
Reflecting on the experience of using Citrus America's premium juicing equipment, Gino expresses his deep satisfaction: "It’s been great. It's so user-friendly and easy to use. And like I said, the best part of it to me is that it's marketable." The user-friendly nature of the equipment aligns with Great Full Gardens' values, making the juicing program seamlessly integrated into their operations.
Gino Scala's culinary journey extends beyond the walls of Great Full Gardens into nationwide nourishment through his separate venture, Gino The Soup Man. Founded by Gino and Juli, GinoTheSoupMan.com is a testament to their devotion to delivering wholesome, organic, and plant-based delights. While Great Full Gardens focuses on providing an exceptional dining experience, Gino The Soup Man takes the essence of their culinary expertise to a broader audience.
Says Gino, “When we started our company, we started with soups and grilled cheese sandwiches and then some veggie sandwiches and soup. We began freezing our soups in quarts early on. Slowly but surely, people started to ask for it. And now we're in some Whole Foods and Natural Grocers stores in our market, which is pretty extraordinary.”
Offering a diverse selection of nearly 20 100% organic, plant-based soups and fresh, cold-pressed juices, Gino The Soup Man brings the flavors of Great Full Gardens to doorsteps across the country. This separate brand encapsulates the Scalas' zeal for promoting healthy living and making their delicious creations accessible beyond the local community, echoing the success and values of Great Full Gardens on a national scale.
As Great Full Gardens continues to flourish and expand its footprint, its partnership with Citrus America remains a cornerstone of its success. The marriage of fresh, organic ingredients and cutting-edge juicing technology enhances the dining experience for customers and reflects a shared commitment to quality, freshness, and innovation.
Great Full Gardens
