As one of the region’s best-loved pioneers in the health food revolution, The Last Carrot has been serving delicious, healthy meals to locals for nearly five decades. Ultimately, they are perfectly positioned in what is shaping up to be the fastest growing health-conscious community in Miami.
Whether it’s their heaped pitas, stuffed-to-the-brim wraps and salads, or their delicious smoothies and freshly squeezed juices, this cozy, family-run, and operated restaurant apparently has all the right ingredients.
So what’s the secret sauce? The owner and manager of the restaurant, Erin Compton, met Miami Community Newspapers to share how a winning combination of “healthy eating”, the legacy of the last carrot and a strong connection to the coconut grove equals success.
CNews: How long has the Last Carrot been around?
Erine: We are proud to operate since 1975.
CNews: To what do you attribute the longevity of your restaurant?
Erine: This must be our consistency.
CNews: What makes Coconut Grove so unique and how have you seen the neighborhood transform since you opened?
Erine: This neighborhood has tripled in population. There are a lot of families moving here now. I believe Coconut Grove is unique because we are an extremely friendly community.
CNews: The Grove is famous for its restaurants. What makes it an ideal neighborhood for anyone looking for healthy food options?
Erine: There are many healthy eating options in the grove that support the active lifestyle this beautiful neighborhood promotes. I believe we reach people who make healthier food choices and appreciate an intimate setting in a colorful environment.
CNews: How much do you attribute your success to building relationships with other businesses in the area? – like the Coconut Grove BID.
Erine: From what I’ve experienced, the local businesses in the Business Improvement District all really support each other. We lend when needed and turn to each other when needed. That’s the real definition of borrowing a cup of sugar from your neighbor.
CNews: How would you describe the Last Carrot brand and your location? What’s your “elevator argument?”
Erine: Healthy eating since 1975. The Last Carrot is home to happy, healthy, intimate vibes and a blast from the 1970s past!
CNews: How would you compare the demand for healthy food options today to when you opened?
Erine: Vegetarian and vegan options are much in demand. Our green juices have also grown in popularity over the past seven years. And that’s definitely good news for The Last Carrot team!
CNews: What would you recommend someone order when they visit Last Carrot for the first time? Give us a vegan, non-vegan option and something sweet of course.
Erine: Ok, for a vegan option I would go with the veggie burger pita sandwich. For non-vegans, try the tuna and spinach pie, and for dessert, you can’t go wrong with one of our fresh fruit smoothies or a vegan ice cream sandwich!
CNews: Do you use local products?
Erine: We certainly do. In fact, we get our wheatgrass from Redlands-based Green Garden Organics, a local Coconut Grove family business that got its start in the West Gove.
CNews: The Grove has always been a progressive community, and still is – do corporate responsibility for the environment and providing healthy food choices go hand in hand?
Erine: Yes absolutely. Caring for the environment and making healthy food choices are two sides of the same coin. It’s taking care of yourself and the world around you.
CNews: What makes your team special?
Erine: The Last Carrot team members give each other grace. We bonded like a family. We reinforce each other and even support each other in many non-work related activities. Because of this, we all bring our authentic selves to work and balance each other out. This “yin and yang” of our team allows us to feel comfortable and to do our best.
CNews: What are the benefits of running a family business?
Erine: One of the benefits is our heritage. I worked for my father for years and now my son and my nephew work for me. It’s a real family business. There’s no corporate feeling here – it’s more of a motherly vibe.
CNews: What is your passion?
Erine: My passion is to make people happy through food and service. The Last Carrot provides a grounding environment that satisfies and keeps people coming back again and again.
ABOUT THE LAST CARROT
Open dine-in and take-out Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., The Last Carrot is located at 3133 Grand Ave, Miami, FL 33133. For more information, call 305-445-0805 or visit their website.
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