Evergreen Eatery—previously known as the Eco's Cafe—at Sequoia Park Zoo is entering a new chapter under the ownership of Lizzie Donagrechia. Lizzie started her journey at the Zoo’s cafe as a cashier, eventually working her way up to manager, and now, owner.
Lizzie’s decision to rebrand the cafe as Evergreen Eatery was driven by a desire to bring a fresh approach to the well-loved spot. One of the first changes Lizzie made was revamping the menu while keeping some of the old favorites that regulars love.
“We kept the core menu the same, but we’re revamping the pizzas. I just finished the pizza dough recipe, so we’ll now have fresh dough,” she shared. The introduction of large pizza pies is especially exciting for families and large groups visiting the Zoo and looking for a tasty bite.
The transition to ownership came about quickly when Lizzie learned that the previous owner was planning to leave. To make this transition possible, Lizzie turned to North Edge for financial support. This loan provided the financial stability she needed to purchase existing equipment, update signage, and build up inventory. It also gave her the resources to handle seasonal fluctuations and set up a contingency fund for any unexpected costs.
“I applied to AEDC for the funding to get everything going. The team at North Edge was really quick about it, and helped me out with everything. I was able to purchase all of the existing equipment that I needed, and now I have the funding to get new equipment as we move forward,” Lizzie noted.
Looking ahead, Lizzie is exploring new opportunities for Evergreen Eatery. While still in the early stages of ownership, she’s already testing the waters with catering events at the Zoo and is excited about future possibilities like mobile ordering and more.
With a reimagined menu and exciting new offerings, Lizzie is bringing a renewed sense of energy and creativity. Supported by North Edge, her careful planning and strategic investments have laid a strong foundation for Eatery’s future. As Lizzie continues to explore new opportunities, Evergreen Eatery is not just a place to grab a meal—it's becoming a vibrant part of the zoo experience, promising a good time and delicious food for all who visit.
Comments