VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Last year, we told you about Mello Beans Coffee. They are a clean-eating, focused coffee shop with a big heart for supporting locals.
Now, you can find Mello Beans in Foodies - The Local's Market in Virginia Beach. Owner and Executive Chef at Foodies, Patrick McBrayer, said this spot is all about supporting locals.
"We're trying to get down to how you're supposed to eat from farm to table," he said.
McBrayer said he sources from as many local farmers and small business owners as possible.
"You know you're going to come to Foodies, and nothing is going to be processed," he added.
You can grab food to go or stay. In Foodies, there is a display case with fresh options that you can grab for the whole family—items like Beef Wellington, French Onion Meatloaf, Asian Noodles, etc. You can also grab a freshly made-to-order sandwich.
"Everything that's made in-house has three to four to five ingredients max in each dish," said McBrayer.
You can, of course, grab a freshly made cup of Mello Beans Coffee. Personally, the 13 News Now team is a sucker for the iced caramel lattes. Their coffee is clean and has all the good effects from the bean, with none of the jittery side effects some coffee can have.
They also have a private room available for you to rent for parties and meetings and McBrayer even offers cooking classes for private groups!
"It's a space for the locals," McBrayer smiled with pride. "It's a safe place to eat. It's a safe place to drink coffee. It's a safe place to pick up your milk."
You can even pick up pantry items here as well. It's a one-stop shop. McBrayer said that when he started thinking about the business plan, he realized Foodies was needed.
"Oh my gosh, we actually need to do this for people. It's not for fun; it's a necessity," McBrayer said.
McBrayer said that he knew God had a hand in his life and directed him to this area. He said Foodies is where he feels like he is supposed to be right now. And if not for himself, to help other locals.
So, if you're a farmer looking for a place to sell your goods, a busy parent looking to find a place to grab dinner that you only have to heat up or a work-alohic looking for a clean place to grab a bite, Foodies could be your place.
"It's not Foodies the local market, it's Foodies - The Local's Market. This market is for the locals," McBrayer nodded.
If you'd like to visit Foodies and grab a coffee or a bite, you can find them at 1060 Lynnhaven Pkwy #106, Virginia Beach, VA 23452.