After serving time for drug-related offenses and being freed from jail in 2013, David Lewis, the founder of the successful MacroBites, sought a better alternative.
He said in an interview with Asbury Park Press, “Though I was from a nice family, I was influenced by my surroundings and was trying to be something that I wasn’t.” Lewis and his best friend, Jarrette Atkins, who is now CEO of their company, were detained shortly after graduating from high school.
“We bounced around the New Jersey prison system and I ultimately did 3½ years,” Lewis told me.
Fearing a return to prison after being freed in his twenties, Lewis tried his hand at a variety of activities before discovering he had a talent for cooking.
Lewis’ father first assisted him in obtaining a work as a contractor, whilst Atkins became a bartender. Fritz Georges, a former prisoner and current sous chef, previously worked in construction. Nonetheless, the three buddies frequently discussed creating their own firm.
A few years later, however, an unexpected chance presented itself when Lewis and Atkins realized they were not the ideal fit for an organization that owned franchised restaurants in New Jersey. After working in the culinary industry, they decided to make their dreams a reality.
35-year-old Lewis shared with NJ.com that his past failures had put him in a terrible place. But realizing there was another way to succeed propelled me ahead.”
In 2019, Lewis, Atkins, and Georges established MacroBites in Asbury Park, New Jersey. The California Business Journal reports that MacroBites is America’s first Black-owned meal preparation service firm. The three built their firm on their areas of competence and love, which were food and physical fitness.
“I was doing personal training after prison and some of my clients saw what I was eating and wanted similar food, so I prepared and delivered it to them.” “We saw other meal prep companies doing it and decided to try it,” Lewis told the Asbury Park Press.
Atkins had good credit but were denied business financing when they first launched their company.
They did, however, save and pool their resources by selling some of their possessions, and Georges worked extra jobs to supplement their earnings. They also began by using the commercial cooking area at a friend’s restaurant on Mondays, which was closed.
Today, their ready-to-eat food delivery firm feeds hundreds of people every day at moderate costs, such as burgers for $11, shrimp platters for $10, and vegan tacos for $13. They also collaborate with other charities to provide free meals to the homeless.
Yvonne Clayton, Asbury Park City Councilwoman, stated, “David, Fritz, and Jarrette are three outstanding young black males who have brought their fantastic story and attitude to Asbury Park. In a city plagued by high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity, they have developed a cuisine that is both healthful and tasty. These businesspeople care about their neighborhood and give back in a variety of ways, including weekly free food offerings.
Despite facing obstacles from the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization remained committed to providing excellent service to other foundations and clients.
Lewis aims to empower children with resources to shape their own future, combat institutional prejudice, and build wealth for future generations. We’re working hard to offer our children a chance to live the American dream.”
“We are appreciative to our customers and thrilled about the future. Owning the business has matured us, increased our work ethic, and given us hope for success.
Research indicates that racial inequities remain in numerous jails across the US. In 2000, Black Americans accounted for nearly half of state prisons but just 13% of the US population.
Lewis and his friends seek to improve things through their business and other activities.
Meanwhile, Georges cautioned, “Do not be afraid or discouraged because you may not have everything worked out yet. Sometimes it can take a lifetime. The idea is to never give up on your ambitions or dreams.