Marketing Director Christina Vlamakis-Hernandez, Operations Manager Mike Mucha, and owners Dan Edwards and Chris Damjanovic

FitFuel Cafe launches at Hammond's new YMCA

Contributed By: Jonathan Bradford and The 411 News Staff

Hammond’s new YMCA, where one of its missions is helping people lead healthy and active lives is also the place where healthy foods are served at its FitFuel Café.

Chris Damjanovic, Dan Edwards, and Mike Mucha operate FitFuel Cafe, serving up a menu of fresh ingredients, all natural foods and beverages. Damjanovic and Edwards also operate local Jimmy John’s franchises.

“We chose the YMCA because of their proven success with multiple community-based businesses,” Damjanovic said.”They are involved in the community, in its events, and support local residents.”

The menu features fruit smoothies, power greens, superfoods, and antioxidants. There are protein shakes for post-workouts and energy drinks such as Alani, Celsius, and Fairlife protein milk for pre-workouts.

“We planned on having this be the first of many FitFuel Cafés associated with the Y’s around the region. We plan on seeing our company within maybe three to four more YMCAs. The Crossroads Y Group wants to build more throughout Northwest Indiana. We are ready to take this challenge on,” Damjanovic said.

“And our menu touches all of our consumer bases,” Edwards chimed in. “It is affordable for everybody, and that is our goal.”

Many kids come to the YMCA straight from school, including high schoolers coming for basketball and strength training. They are in need of good nutrition at affordable prices and that’s what FitFuel offers.

Because of the Y’s many events and fitness programs, FitFuel believes it can hold menu prices down and not be as expensive as other food places and smoothie shops.

“We have options for school kids that are not only nutritious but reasonable too. Most of the kids love the buffalo chicken wraps. There’s a Taco Bell across the street. Our options here give them something that is not fast-food at all. Why go there when they can stop here at FitFuel Cafe, which gives them better nutrition at an affordable price,” said a FitFuel crewmember.

“A lot of basketball players come in to get sport drinks for energy boosts. Our top sellers now are smoothie drinks. Many YMCA employees are coming to try it as well. Since we have been open for only about fifteen days, it is an exciting time for us,” Mucha said.

“Our supplier is Sysco, a national vendor which aids in giving us the best products and Restaurant Depot located in Griffith. Once we get our feet underneath us and figure out what people enjoy the most on the menu, we will try to use more local vendors when it comes to some of the baked goods that we sell,” said Edwards. “We will also do local promotions. We want Project Lean Nation to do an expo and provide info on their meal options as well.”

FitFuel also sells Uncrustables peanut butter and jelly, for the mom who comes in with her children who need a quick snack.

“We want to keep a great relationship with YMCA and grow with them in each unit as well, offering the same food and beverage opportunities as we do in this facility. We are excited to see how we can continue to fuel the YMCA and the community for years to come,” said Edwards.

Marketing Director Christina Vlamakis-Hernandez summed up the path ahead for FitFuel. “When we talk about building community relationships and trust, it starts with the people who are running the show. Mike, Dan, and Chris are here every day getting to know the YMCA members, even the members that have not been to FitFuel yet; but Mike will make an effort to get to know you. We have proven success with Jimmy John’s and we will blow FitFuel out of the water.”

The Hammond Y opened November 20th. It is on the site of the former Woodmar Shopping Center, at 165th Street and Indianapolis Blvd.

Story Posted:12/16/2024