FunTimes Business Insider
Sarah Scandone, the creative mind behind Nourish, a plant-based restaurant that is reinventing healthy eating, is at the center of Philadelphia’s changing culinary landscape. But Sarah’s impact extends beyond just serving good food, she is building a movement centered around wellness, community, and cultural fusion.
Nourish is Sarah’s fourth restaurant, a tremendous accomplishment in the competitive food industry. Unlike traditional vegan spots, Sarah says that Nourish provides a “range of healthy options,” catering to everyone, from those transitioning into plant-based eating to those fully committed to alkaline and raw diets. Her inspiration comes from a global standpoint shaped by her experiences in Belize and Jamaica, where food is extremely tied to culture and well-being. Her attention to combining time-honored dishes shines through in her menu, featuring flavors like jerk-seasoned tofu and callaloo stir fry, a fusion of Caribbean authenticity and mindful eating.
For Sarah, food is medicine, and Nourish is proof of that philosophy. She recalls a customer who lost 65 pounds and reversed poor health conditions simply by adopting a diet inspired by her meals. But the impact does not stop at nutrition. She has created a space of healing and connection, where doctors recommend Nourish to patients not just for the food but for the environment. She also runs Nourishing Neighborhoods, an initiative that educates communities, especially the youth, on healthy eating habits. At her weekly event, Let’s Talk Tuesday, she turns the restaurant into a gathering place for discussions on mental health, financial literacy, and even gardening tips; establishing a connection between personal empowerment and physical nourishment.
Running a restaurant is not all glamorous. Sarah compares the experience to wearing multiple hats like being an accountant, plumber, HVAC expert, and chef all at once. She often spends just as much time fixing dishwashers as she does crafting innovative dishes, calling attention to the relentless nature of entrepreneurship. But through it all, her Rastafarian beliefs keep her grounded. She draws inspiration from Marcus Garvey’s quote, “Arm yourself with organization, for it is a weapon,” using structure and purpose to propel her vision forward.
Sarah is not content with just one successful restaurant, her goal is to make Nourish a household name, a healthier alternative to fast food. She is taking proactive steps, from developing a 30-day cleanse program to hosting international wellness retreats, where food, culture, and self-care come together. Her culinary expertise, combined with her commitment to lifelong learning, fuels her ability to innovate and be creative. Sarah is always looking for new ways to incorporate deeper meaning into her cuisine, whether she’s attending herbalist seminars or traveling to different cultures.
At a time when processed vegan substitutes dominate the industry, Sarah is advocating for whole, unprocessed ingredients. She is not simply serving meals, she is leading a food revolution, proving that healthy eating can be flavorful, nourishing, and extremely rooted in tradition. Her journey is more than just about food, it is about community, culture, and breaking barriers. As she continues to expand Nourish’s reach, she remains guided by the belief that food is both medicine and a tool for empowerment. As she puts it, “When you nourish your body, you nourish your mind, and that’s when real transformation happens.” Through Nourish, Sarah is proving that food has the power to heal, uplift, and bring people together, one plate at a time.
Oluwadamilola is a multi-passionate Creative Brand Strategist, Social Media Expert, and certified Medical Aesthetician. With a strong background in digital storytelling and global brand growth, she blends creativity with strategy to amplify community-driven narratives. Beyond the newsroom, she is building a personal brand at the intersection of skincare, technology, and remote work; empowering undergraduates and young professionals to build digital skills and explore future-forward careers. Deeply curious and always evolving, she thrives on learning, innovation, and creating impact through intentional content. Check out www.tuyifedami.com for more
