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Chef Matt Jennings Joins Healthy Living & Café as VP of Culinary

South Burlington, VT – Healthy Living & Café is proud to announce that Matt Jennings, former Boston chef and founder of Full Heart Hospitality, has joined the team as Vice President of Culinary. HLM is headquartered in South Burlington, VT with locations in Saratoga Springs, NY and Williston, VT (opening fall 2020).  

“I’ve been devoted to bringing clean, inspiring food to our community for over 35 years,” said Katy Lesser, Owner and Founder of Healthy Living & Café. “Matt’s arrival at Healthy Living will bring a new level of culinary expertise, ideas, and energy that will recharge our cafe experience. Welcome, Matt Jennings!”   

The Café at HLM has always been a cornerstone of the business, and with Matt’s arrival the company is positioned for exciting changes. Matt brings a wellspring of deep culinary experience and personal drive to the business, and will be growing and refining the fresh foods prepared in each store. 

“I’m excited to join the Healthy Living team. I’ve been a customer since ‘95 when I attended NECI and have always held a deep appreciation for the company’s commitment to local sourcing, clean ingredients and community ties,” said Matt Jennings, adding: “HL is also just a fun and exciting place to shop for the best food and ingredients around- a chef’s dream! I look forward to contributing to the company’s heritage through my fierce commitment to excellent hospitality, food and drink. The Vermont food ecosystem is so special and I’m eager to support, promote and highlight our company’s capabilities in how we showcase and craft local and seasonal food.” 

Matt is a graduate of the New England Culinary Institute in Montpelier and has been nominated for five James Beard Awards. His impressive career in foodservice spans restaurants and specialty retail, notably: Formaggio Kitchen (Cambridge, MA) Cowgirl Creamery (San Francisco, CA), Farmstead (Providence, RI), and Townsman (Boston, MA). His extensive experience will bring a fresh perspective to HLM’s café. Guests can expect exciting changes in the future. 

The VP of Culinary role is a newly created position for HLM, who will be opening their third location in the fall of 2020. As the company expands, a strong and innovative café program at each location is paramount. Jennings will be based at HLM’s flagship South Burlington location but will work closely with café teams at all locations. 

“We are ready to take our cafe food and experience to the next level. We’re looking forward to exciting new concepts, reimagined recipes, and increased commitment to local and high-quality ingredients. We are constantly growing and evolving everything we do at HL and we are confident that Matt is the person to help move Cafe into the future!” 

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About Healthy Living  

Healthy Living & Café is Vermont and Upstate New York’s family owned natural and organic supermarket, with the toughest product standards in the business. Founded in Vermont in 1986 by Katy Lesser, Healthy Living has been committed from day one to creating a premier grocery shopping experience for guests and great career opportunities for its staff. With locations in Burlington, Vermont and Saratoga Springs, New York, Healthy Living is a triple bottom line, mission/vision/values company from the top down. Healthy Living & Café Williston, VT will be opening in 2020.  

For more information visit www.healthylivingmarket.com.