When Jan’s Health Bar, one of Orange County’s most well-known fresh food eateries and home of the original Tuna and Avocado Sandwich, celebrated 45 years in business at its flagship location in Huntington Beach in March, owner Poppy Holguin invited the local community to join in the festivities. The first 45 guests to arrive received a $20 gift card to Jan’s, and all guests enjoyed live music, free samples, and a chance to win fun giveaways of merchandise from local stores such as Huntington Surf & Sport and Quicksilver.
“This place has provided countless individuals and families with healthy food and a sense of community for decades,” says Jan’s Health Bar owner, Poppy Holguin, a previous employee and loyal customer before purchasing the restaurant from Jan Gafney in 2010. “In addition to our commitment to serve delicious, nutrient-rich foods, it’s our superior service and community involvement that has made Jan’s what it is today.”
**I can personally vouch for the quality and freshness of Jan’s food as I have been a loyal customer since the 80’s when they were located inside Huntington Surf & Sport on Main Street in Huntington Beach. My go-to’s are the Go-Green juice for detoxing and a healthy dose of green vegetables, and either the Chicken Salad Sandwich or the Kale Salad with a scoop of Chicken Salad. All of Jan’s sandwiches and bowls are priced at $9-$10 and include a choice of chips, fruit, or a small pasta or green salad.
Open for breakfast and lunch, the menu at Jan’s Heath Bar features an array of fan favorites, including the Amaze Bowls (açai bowls), Tuna Avocado Protein Bowl – a spin-off of the classic Tuna and Avocado Sandwich – the Broccoli Cheddar Soup, Krunchy Kale Wrap, and one of Poppy’s personal favorites, the Peanut Butter and Banana Date smoothie. Long recognized as a leader for providing high-quality healthy food at reasonable prices in a fast-casual setting, Jan’s is committed to using only fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, and looks forward to serving the Orange County community for another 45 years.
“Consumer demand for simple, all-natural food options continues to rise, and Jan’s Health Bar is able to consistently deliver just that – despite the ever-evolving health food trends which can often limit the number of items on a menu,” says Holguin.
Poppy had been a loyal Jan’s customer for a decade when she began working at Jan’s Health Bar in 1989, during the summer following her Sophomore year at Huntington Beach High School.
“I grew up eating here with my family, so Jan’s has always been a place very near to my heart,” explains Holguin. “Just before my 16th birthday, I began working at the store with a group of girls from my high school. We worked there together until graduation, and during those years, Jan taught us so much about the business and I still carry with me today the lessons and work ethic she instilled in us.” After graduating from California State University, Long Beach and pursuing a successful business career, Poppy’s lighthearted conversations with then-owner Jan Gafney about someday purchasing the restaurant slowly came to fruition.
Since purchasing the original Huntington Beach location almost 10 years ago, Poppy has opened three additional stores in Orange County. The first was Costa Mesa in 2012, followed by Laguna Beach in 2016, and Corona Del Mar in 2017. All four locations were recently renovated, with upgrades made to the buildings’ interior and exterior facades, kitchen appliances, and more. The only thing left untouched were the original recipes.
Holguin believes the success of Jan’s stems from the passion to create fresh food-filled dishes, and from the devotion of each community in which it serves. “Jan’s Health Bar donates to more than 30 local schools and community organizations each year,” Holguin explains. “There is a true sense of community here, and that’s something our customers can feel. Anniversaries are a time for reflection, and we’re grateful to everyone who has contributed to Jan’s growth and enabled us to provide food that helps people lead healthier lives.”
Jan’s Health Bar
Huntington Beach 714-536-4856
501 Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Costa Mesa 949-650-4856
250 E. 17th Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Laguna Beach 949-371-0023
610 N Coast Highway Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Corona del Mar 949-675-2520
3021 E. Coast Highway
Corona del Mar, CA 92625
For menu and catering information, visit Jan’s website.
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