Washington Wizards star and entrepreneur Kyle Kuzma has formed a partnership with Florida-based restaurant group, Mahana Fresh, www.MahanaFresh.com founded by former Northern Virginia restaurateur Dave Wood, to open the company’s first fast casual concept in the DMV. Mahana Fresh will open April 16 in Gainesville, VA’s Virginia Gateway Center.
As an investor in Mahana Fresh, Kuzma will develop, through a master franchisee agreement, up to 50 restaurants across the country with a second location opening this June in Houston, Texas.
The Gainesville restaurant, at 3,000 square feet, has a seating capacity of 60. Designed with a tropical theme, the high-ceilinged, light-filled space is accented in colors of teal and white. In the tropic, Mahana means “like the sun” and the restaurant’s décor captures this energetic vibe.
Mahana Fresh’s gluten-free menu operates on a build-your-own-bowl model with customers selecting a base of rice (basmati blend, coconut or cauliflower), noodles or greens with veggie and protein options to top off the bowl. Gluten-free wraps are available as well as all-GF cookies and brownies. There are no microwaves, freezers or fryers with all items prepared fresh in the restaurant’s kitchen. The restaurant offers dine-in, third party delivery and catering.
Mahana Fresh was founded by Wood in 2019 and now has locations in Florida, Georgia, Idaho, North Dakota, New Jersey and North Carolina. Wood, the former owner of 20 Domino’s pizza stores in Northern Virginia, retired a decade ago in Sarasota, Florida. Mahana Fresh was created out of Wood’s desire to find a heathy fast meal option after playing a game of basketball and couldn’t find “something that was good for me”.
Kuzma has seamlessly bridged the world of sport and business through his strategic partnerships, entrepreneurial ventures, and philanthropic efforts. His extensive business endeavors spans industries including fashion and lifestyle, food and beverage, investment, and more, and earned him inclusion on Forbes 30 Under 30 list. He is also known for his dedication to philanthropic causes, including The Kyle Kuzma Family Foundation, which was created to positively impact the lives of single mothers and enhance the lives of their children.
Mahana Fresh • 5035 Wellington Road, Gainesville, VA • Hours: 11 am – 9 pm, seven days
A week of official Grand Opening activities include:
Saturday April 20 11AM
Grand Opening
First 33 people in attendance get Free Bowl
Everyone else gets a $5 Mahana Sized Bowl
5 people will get Free Mahana Sized Bowls for A Year – One bowl per month for 12 months by registering here
Sunday, April 21 – Friday, April 26
Grand Opening Offers
Sunday: Family day: $5 off $40
Monday: BOGO Wraps
Tuesday: Free dessert with purchase
Wednesday: Free avocado on any bowl
Thursday: Keychain – for free drink until EOY
Friday: Kids eat free
