In the kitchen with Fias Fresh Meals
Chris Paladino, owner of Fia’s Fresh Meals, comes from a long line of proud chefs. Born in Italy, Paladino grew up working in family restaurants and connecting with customers through homemade meals.
Paladino started his adult career started in the field of law, then he returned to the University of Central Florida to earn a degree in nutrition. From there, his dream of feeding people in healthy, convenient ways started to take shape.
In 2015, Paladino started prepping meals for customers who wanted convenience, but healthful options. Within a few months, he was preparing 500 meals per week.
The team has come a long way since sending text and emails to friends about the week’s menu. Today, Fia’s Fresh Meals prepares 10,000 to 12,000 meals per week that customers simply heat up to enjoy.
Clients order from a menu the week before via the website or mobile app and can pick up from 125 drop-off locations or have the meals delivered to their doorsteps. Nationwide doorstep delivery rolled out in early April for the lower 48 states.
Unlike some meal-delivery subscription services, Fia’s Fresh Meals requires no long-term signup.
“People can choose to order when they want and take it week by week,” Paladino said. “There’s no minimum or maximum order amount either.”
In addition to its general weekly menu, Fia’s offers options for people who follow Paleo, Ketogenic, Whole30 and other diets. Fia’s also offers family-style options by the pound, including cooked brown rice, sweet potatoes and organic, grass-fed beef.
All of the food is packaged using vacuum-seal technology that pulls the oxygen from the meals before packaging. Meals last at least 14 days refrigerated while the seal remains, preservative free. The wrap also serves as a steaming seal when meals are heated in the microwave.
Customers who did not make a weekly order in time for delivery or pickup can stop in to Fia’s Melbourne storefront. Ready-made items are available to purchase on the spot.
“I order online and swing by on my way home from work on Monday to pick up my selections for that week. I usually order three or four meals at a time and use them for lunches,” Viera resident Emily King said. “I usually order from the Paleo menu. My favorites are the crabcakes and the eggplant lasagna.”
Corey and Michelle Decker of Rockledge have ordered close to 40 meals from Fia’s so far.
“We wanted to find a way to eat healthier but with three kids and full-time jobs, meal planning was proving difficult,” Michelle Decker said. “We eat Paleo, which made it even harder to prep meals. Fia’s has been able to fit that bill for us and help us with healthy meals that fit our dietary wants.”
The convenience and non-commitment are also benefits.
“You pay for the meals you want on the weeks you want. I also love that people can review meals because it helps me know what to order,” Michelle Decker said. “The Bang Bang Chicken is incredible.”
LEARN MORE
Fia’ Fresh Meals
5000 North Wickham Road, Suite 104, Melbourne
888-868-2028
www.fiasfreshmeals.com + Fia’s Fresh mobile app
(FACEBOOK ICON) /fiasfreshmeals
(Instagram icon) @fiasfreshmeals
As featured in our DIGITAL MAGAZINE.
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