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STARTING WITH DELICIOUS Meet Christine Barone CEO, True Food Kitchen

She spent her teenage years here and is a graduate of Plant High School in South Tampa. Christine Barone, CEO of True Food Kitchen, is excited and thrilled to be opening the 40th location in Tampa in the hottest new project in Tampa Bay, Midtown Tampa. Florida, and especially Tampa, is a special place for Barone. While her and her family live in Arizona, her parents live in Town and Country and her sister resides in Orlando. The Tampa location holds a special meaning for her, as she moved to Tampa from Maryland when she was in 9th grade and completed high school here. She vividly remembers the first day of school wearing shorts and a t-shirt, and everyone asking her whether she was a Gator or Seminole. At the time, she had no idea about the in-state rivalry. She is a holds a BA and MBA from Harvard Business School and worked for Raymond James Financial for a bit as an investment banker. METRO had a chance to chat with Barone, and find out what True Food Kitchen will be adding to the local dining scene, and where Barone prefers to dine when she is in town.

METRO: What is a favorite memory of Tampa?

BARONE: It’s no secret, Tampa is a beautiful community. I love being out on the water, boating, and I loved being on the swim team at Plant.

M: What is a typical day as a CEO?

B: Never the same and always goes a bit differently than planned. I focus on our people and team of nearly 3,000 employees. I have to solve problems, while focusing on the future with financing the growth of True Food Kitchen. I think in the now and focus 5 - 10 years in the future. Fridays are always real estate days, where we review new locations. It’s a varied job, but I always focus on the team.

M: What are your thoughts on the pandemic?

B: It really hit the hospitality industry especially hard. Our job is to care about the people, make the day brighter, so our customers and team members walk out happy. I’m optimistic and believe brighter times are ahead.

M: What are menu favorites?

B: All of them are my favorites. I love the menu variety, but the Ancient Grains Bowl with curry and extra vegetables are a current favorite. I enjoy the grass-fed burger too.

M: What is special about True Food Kitchen?

B: It’s based on Dr. Andrew Weil’s anti-inflammatory food pyramid. We use only the freshest, seasonal ingredients. We are a scratch kitchen. It’s not about perfection, but how does the food make you feel? I’ve always loved food and great ingredients. True Food Kitchen is about meeting everyone where they are. Our goal is to make you feel good after a delicious meal, not worse.

M: Where is your favorite place to dine in Tampa?

B: My parents’ table. We just enjoy being together and preparing an amazing meal together.