“Given every chance, I’d bet on my daughter,” stated Sue Persichetti about her decision to go “all-in” on her daughter, Corinne Persichetti, and her healthy eats business venture, Goodness Bowls.

Open in 2019 and now with three locations in Avalon, N.J., Villanova, Collegeville, and Narberth, Pa., Goodness Bowls is a café that offers made-to-order foods and beverages using locally sourced, fresh ingredients that are kind to the body. While most juice bar and bowl concepts are just that — juices and bowls — Goodness Bowls offers a diverse menu, including gluten-free and dairy-free options, and sources locally whenever possible.

The cafe is built on Sue and Corinne’s belief that goodness yields goodness, and in 2019, the duo acted upon that belief by choosing to create goodness for others to consume, using fresh ingredients, in a positive, beach-vibey environment.

But big ideas often start from smaller, often unexpected, experiences and interactions, and for Corinne, her lead-in to Goodness Bowls was from her work experience and leadership at a similar concept.

A Good Beginning: The Start of a Successful Mother-Daughter Venture

Corinne explains that as she headed into her senior year of college, she was managing a restaurant concept over the summer, and her boss ultimately offered her the general manager position. However, Corinne initially had other plans in mind.

“I had planned on getting a corporate job after graduation, but she then proposed selling me the space and equipment if I wanted to create my own concept,” explained Corinne.

But what about funding? As a senior college student, Corinne jokes that she had merely a few hundred dollars in savings. And that’s where Sue’s guidance, expertise, and funding came into play — and Sue knew her daughter’s potential and the potential of this business concept.

Likewise, Corinne valued her mom’s entrepreneurial side and realized this might be something she’d like to be involved in, so they met with the owners, reviewed finances, and realized this could be a great opportunity. As for working together closely as a mother-daughter team, which can be a tricky dynamic for many, Sue states that teaming up was second nature. Corinne being the only girl among four children, the two have always been close, with Sue even coaching her field hockey team throughout high school.

“I took a leap of faith, invested in her, and she built the menu, operations, and go-to-market strategy while still in college,” said Sue. “From the moment we launched, we were a success. Looking back, we credit our strong partnership, excitement, and the incredible women we surrounded ourselves with. Betting on my daughter was the best decision I ever made, and our journey — from coaching to business — proved that we were always meant to build something great together.”

What’s So Good About Goodness Bowls?

Corinne shares how Goodness Bowls is more than a place to order food but also a place to come and fuel your body, enjoy positive vibes, and embrace the sense of community.

“One of the biggest things we focused on in our stores was creating a vibe that reflects our personalities and values,” she said. “We believe in looking on the bright side, staying positive, and putting good energy into the world. If we put out good food for good people, good things will come back to them.”

While the vibe at Goodness Bowl locations is immaculate, so is the food, and there are options for everyone. Unlike similar concepts that focus on just one category, the Goodness Bowls menu includes salads, stir-fries, bowls, smoothies, coffee, oatmeal, and toast, along with gluten-free and dairy-free options. Sue also shares that they always strive to source locally and organically whenever possible and that authenticity is at the heart of everything they do.

A Menu Built on Passion and Nutrition

When it came to creating the menu, Corinne, a former Division 1 College Athlete, has always prioritized nutrition and fueling her body and used this as the impetus to creating a crave-worthy, yet healthy, selection.

“Growing up in a competitive, sports-focused family, me and my brothers experimented with recipes to support our training,” she said. “Many of these homemade creations later inspired the menu for the business.”

Additionally, Corinne also worked her passion for music into the menu, incorporating song titles, bands, and meaningful places — like her college town and Avalon — into the names of menu items. All this passion and goodness resonated with the community, with lines extending down the block in Avalon when Goodness Bowls opened its first location in the summer of 2019.

As demand continued to grow, the success of the business opened doors for franchise opportunities. To date, there is one franchise location in Collegeville, and another is set to open in Spring House later this spring.

Goodness Bowls’ Journey of Expansion, Community Support, and Women’s Entrepreneurship

Throughout this rapid growth, including navigating the challenges of COVID-19, Sue emphasizes the importance of supporting other women and small businesses.

“Women really do support each other, and while starting a business can be overwhelming, it’s not impossible,” she said. “If there’s a will, there’s a way. Whether it’s finding a partner, securing a loan, or exploring grants, there are options. With the right information and support, anyone can make their dream a reality.”

On the topic of supporting other businesses, Corinne and Sue share that being rooted in the various communities they are in is of paramount importance.

“We frequently collaborate with local yoga studios, fitness centers, universities, and high schools, participating in fundraisers, auctions, and other community events,” said Sue. “We aim to support like-minded businesses and individuals in the area, including those connected to our employees. Our goal is to foster community support and align with others who share similar values.”

Grounded in community and field by goodness, Corinne and Sue have bright plans for the coming years and hope to encourage other women along the way.

They plan to open their fifth Goodness Bowls in Spring House, Pa., in April. Corinne shares that Goodness Bowls hopes to continue to franchise within the Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania markets, with potential future expansion to cities like Baltimore and D.C.

“Starting a business wasn’t always seen as something women could do successfully, but generations before us, like my mom’s, have paved the way,” said Corinne. “Today, more women are realizing they can take the leap, invest in their dreams, and succeed.”

Goodness Bowls’ story is one of entrepreneurship, family, and community — values that align closely with the mission of the Montgomery County Commerce Department. As Corinne and Sue continue to grow their business, their journey serves as an inspiration for other aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women looking to make their mark in the business world.

Find more information about business and commerce in Montgomery County at the Montgomery County Commerce website. Whether it’s through networking, funding opportunities, or partnerships with like-minded businesses, the Montgomery County Commerce Department is dedicated to fostering an environment where businesses like Goodness Bowls can thrive.