BRK Pizza is adding a slice of well-being to its menu, as the latest Blue Zones Project Approved^™ restaurant in Collier County. 

"The Blue Zones Project movement is transforming the well-being of the Naples community, and we wanted to be part of that change,” said Randy Trombino, owner of BRK Pizza. By making small changes, we realized we could have an impact and help make Naples a healthier, happy place to eat, live, work and play.”

To earn approval, BRK Pizza added new, healthy choices to their menu. The restaurant hosted a competition among its employees to see who could create the best tasting Blue Zones Project inspired pizza. The “Power PIzza” consists of a multigrain,whole wheat crust, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, onion, spinach, fresh mushrooms, black olives, pineapple and an Italian balsamic glaze drizzle. BRK pizza also added whole grain and gluten-free crusts to their menu options, became a tobacco-free worksite and is now sourcing more than 15 produce items from local farmers.

 Worksites

The Shelter became a Blue Zones Project Approved Worksite by deciding to focus on changing the food environment in the workplace. They conducted Potluck Moais, providing healthy snacks for employees, contacted local restaurants and put a policy in place to follow Blue Zone guidelines at meetings and celebrations. By creating a "Zone Committee" they implemented a tobacco free workplace, conducted Purpose Workshops, installed bike racks, dedicated a special space furthest away as a Blue Zones parking space and provided walking maps that led to an employee step challenge. 

“As role models to the community we serve, we want to practice self-care that furthers the well-being of our employees and enhances The Shelter’s ability to promote health among the individuals and families we serve,” said Linda Oberhaus, executive director. “The Blue Zones Project has helped us do that by offering evidence-based practices that we could incorporate into our daily work lives.”

The Blue Zones Project designation is a natural fit with The Shelter’s mission to “prevent, protect and prevail” over domestic violence, Oberhaus said.