Today we’d like to introduce you to Lav Hysa.
Hi Lav, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
ZARDIN began as a simple idea rooted in something very personal a garden, a table, and a way of eating that felt nourishing, vibrant, and real. Inspired by both my partners and I upbringing in our garden! Fresh ingredients, homegrown produce, and thoughtful meals were a way of life, ZARDIN was created as an extension of that philosophy, food that feels good, looks beautiful, and brings people together.
What started as a small, passion-driven concept in Market Common has grown into much more than just a healthy eatery it has become a community hub. From the very beginning, the vision was clear: serve creative, ingredient-driven bowls, juices, and drinks that didn’t feel like “diet food,” but rather something you’d crave again and again.
Building ZARDIN wasn’t just about recipes, it was about atmosphere, care, and experience. Every detail from the fresh ingredients and thoughtfully designed packaging (compostable) to the music, energy, and welcoming staff was intentionally crafted to make guests feel good about it.
As ZARDIN grew, so did its impact. What began as one restaurant has evolved into a brand that represents wellness, creativity, and connection. Along the way, my wife Kristina and i have continued to innovate by going seasonal with the menu, expanding offerings our famous loyalty program and cultivating a space where health meets hospitality. Welcomed by friendly staff in a cozy bright environment feeling like you are in a garden.
Today, Zardin stands as a reflection of where it began! a love for real food, real community, and real care, just on a bigger, brighter stage.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not entirely! entrepreneurship rarely is. Building ZARDIN came with the expected challenges of starting a business
like learning on the fly, navigating supply chains, staffing, and balancing growth while staying true to our values. We’ve faced moments of doubt, long hours, and tough decisions, but each struggle strengthened us. What kept us going was our passion for what we were creating, our belief in our concept, and the support of our community. Every obstacle taught us something, and ultimately helped shape ZARDIN into what it is today.
As you know, we’re big fans of ZARDIN Healthy Eatery. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
ZARDIN is more than just a healthy eatery, it is a space built around intention, quality, and community. We specialize in vibrant, creative bowls, fresh-pressed juices, smoothies, wraps sandwiches and brunch items! Our menu is rooted in real, whole ingredients, many inspired by Mediterranean and garden-fresh flavors, as well as Asian, Middle East, Mexican flavors etc. Imagive all your favorite cuisines but healthy nutritious and with lots of flavor. We take pride in making food that feels both clean and crave-worthy.
What sets ZARDIN apart is our attention to every detail from the freshness of our ingredients most locally sourced and organic whenever available and the care in our preparation housemade dressings with fresh herbs, marinating our proteins in organic spices to our elevated packaging compostable bowls, sugarcane straws even the lids are made of plants! And of course welcoming atmosphere, and attentive service, our team is who we are they represent us and show the world that healthy food can be tasty. We are not just a restaurant we are creating an experience where guests feel cared for, energized, and inspired.
We are known for our colorful, well-balanced bowls, our signature drinks, and the sense of community that has grown around our brand. ZARDIN has become a place where people gather, connect, and feel good about what they’re eating.
Brand-wise, we are most proud of staying true to our values as we’ve grown. We have built something that feels authentic to who we are rooted in wellness, creativity, and Greek hospitality while continuing to evolve and innovate.
What we want readers to know is that ZARDIN is about more than food. It’s about nourishing your body, supporting local vendors, and creating moments that feel meaningful, delicious, and memorable.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was curious, creative, and very family-oriented. I’ve always been someone who felt deeply and cared a lot about people and experiences around me. I loved being in the kitchen with my family, helping in the garden, and observing how food, culture, and connection came together around the table.
I was also naturally driven and ambitious, but in a heartfelt way! I liked working hard for things I believed in. I’ve always been drawn to beauty, design, and hospitality, even before I realized those interests could become a career. At the same time, I was very social and community-minded, always enjoying being around people, hosting, and making others feel welcomed!
In many ways, the values and interests I had as a child the creativity, care, hard work, and a love for good food and meaningful connection are exactly what shaped who I am today and how I run my businesses.
Pricing:
- 10-20$ per person
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zardinhealthyeatery
- Other: https://zardinexperience.com/
