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As one of the area’s most-loved pioneers in the health-food revolution, the Last Carrot has been serving up delicious and healthy eating options to locals for nearly five decades. As it turns out, they’re perfectly positioned in what’s panning out to be Miami’s fastest expanding health-conscious community.
Be it their heaping pitas, stuffed-to-the-brim wraps and salads, or their delectable smoothies and fresh-squeezed juices, this cozy, family-owned and operated restaurant apparently has all the right ingredients.
So, what’s the secret sauce? Owner and restaurant manager Erin Compton sat down with Miami’s Community Newspapers to share how a winning combination of “clean eating,” the Last Carrot’s legacy, and a close bond with the Coconut Grove equals success.
CNews: How long has the Last Carrot been in business?
Erin: We’ve been up and running proudly since 1975.
CNews: What do you attribute your restaurant’s longevity to?
Erin: It has to be our consistency.
CNews: What makes Coconut Grove so unique and how have you seen the neighborhood transform since you first opened?
Erin: This neighborhood has tripled in population. There are lots of families moving here now. I believe Coconut Grove is unique because we are an extremely friendly community.
CNews: The Grove is renowned for its restaurants. What makes this an ideal neighborhood for anyone looking for healthy food options?
Erin: There are quite a few healthy eating options in the Grove which support the active lifestyle that this beautiful neighborhood promotes. I believe we reach people who are making healthier dietary choices that 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 – such as the Coconut Grove BID.
Erin: From what I’ve experienced, the local businesses within the Business Improvement District all truly support each other. We lend when needed and turn to each other when in need. It is the true 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 pitch?”
Erin: Healthy eats since 1975. The Last Carrot is home to happy, healthy, homey vibes and a 1970’s blast from the past!
CNews: How would you compare the demand for healthy food options nowadays to when you first opened?
Erin: Veggie and vegan options are in much higher demand. Our green juices have also seen a steady rise in popularity over the past seven years. And that’s definitely good news for The Last Carrot team!
CNews: What do you recommend someone should order when visiting the Last Carrot for the first time? Give us a vegan option, non-vegan, and something sweet of course.
Erin: Ok, for a vegan option, I’d go with the veggie burger pita sandwich. For the non-vegan try the tuna melt 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 make use of any locally sourced produce?
Erin: We sure do. As a matter of fact, we get our wheatgrass from Redlands-based Green Garden Organics, a local Coconut Grove family-owned business that got its start in the West Gove.
CNews: The Grove has always been a progressive community, and still is – do corporate responsibility to the environment and offering healthy food choices go hand-in-hand?
Erin: Yes, absolutely. Taking care of the environment and making healthy food choices are two sides to the same coin. It’s taking care of yourself and in turn the world around you.
CNews: What makes your team special?
Erin: The team members at The Last Carrot gives each other grace. We’ve bonded like a family. We build each other up and even support each other in plenty of non-work related activities, as well. Because of this we all bring our authentic selves to work and balance each other out. This “yin and yang” of our team makes us feel comfortable and perform our best.
CNews: What are the benefits of running a family-owned business?
Erin: One of the benefits is our legacy. I worked for my dad for years and now my son and nephew work for me. It’s a true family-owned and operated business. There are zero corporate feelings here – it’s more a motherly vibe.
CNews: What’s your passion?
Erin: My passion is to make people happy through food and service. The Last Carrot provides a grounding environment that satisfies and in turn makes people come back to again and again.
ABOUT THE LAST CARROT
Open for dine-in and take-out Monday through Saturday 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 information, call 305-445-0805 or visit their website.
