SPECIAL SECTION: FOOD
Mission Possible Doing good while doing well is the mantra for Acai Express founder, Hector Westerband
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by Rochelle Miller
ust six years after starting his business with a single food trailer, Hector Westerband has built a sort of acai empire in his native Puerto Rico. Drawing on his backgound from his career in the hospitality industry, he owns and operates six corporate Acai Express locations and has awarded 11 franchises. Westerband is now bringing his successful brand to the mainland with the goal of opening 50 franchise locations in the next five years in the continental United States. Two brick-and-mortar loca48
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tions recently launched in Dover, New Jersey, and Cocoa Beach, Florida. For the uninitiated, acai is a berry native to South America that has been touted as a superfood. “It has a lot of antioxidants,” Westerband says. “It’s a great snack, but it can also be a healthy meal replacement.” Besides smoothies and lemonades, Acai Express offers acai bowls that showcase the signature ingredient in a creamy puree topped with nourishing complements such as granola, fruit, or nuts. Menu options
