Advance Network

Queens resident aims to help people eat better when traveling 

New JFK T8 kiosk features healthy, grab-and-go items  

The mantra, “Because you are what you eat,” is the inspiration behind Queens resident Gracia Clery-Leonce’s natural food business, Bevo’s Kitchen, offering a variety of healthy, delicious food products from jams and preserves to nutrient-dense granolas, snack balls, fruit chips, and more at her kiosk in John F. Kennedy International Airport Terminal 8.  

A native of the island of St. Lucia, Clery-Leonce grew up cooking with her father using locally grown food that was both full of taste and good for you. It didn’t take long for her to realize the healthier you eat, the better you feel.  

With biology and clinical laboratory science degrees, she spent much of her time in a hospital laboratory but quickly realized she enjoyed using her expertise to make delicious, healthy food.  

Clery-Leonce started making jams and preserves to sell at local farmer’s markets. As her customer loyalty grew, she gradually expanded her product line in hopes of fulfilling her customers' many requests.  

Inspired by her heritage and background as a healthy lifestyle coach, Clery-Leonce created American dishes with the flavors of the Caribbean, aiming to make everyday food tastier and more nutritious.  

Applying for an airport kiosk was a natural progression for her business since she hopes to help people eat better when traveling.  

“With JFK in my backyard, I always wanted to get my products into the airport, so this is a dream come true,” Clery-Leonce said. “Eating healthy while traveling is challenging, especially for Plant Based travelers and I want to change that. I want to teach the world the importance of a healthy lifestyle via good healthy eating habits and what better way than to interact with passengers from around the globe.”    

Creating delicious, healthy food is Clery-Leonce's passion but her customers’ reactions motivate her. She is driven by making a difference in people’s health and lives. She hopes that by changing someone’s diet and lifestyle, she can impact that person's overall health.  

She started her business in 2016, and four years later added a savory line of vegan/vegetarian dishes to her packaged products. She also continues to sell at farmer’s markets in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. 

 

 

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