Local Business Spotlight: CLTRE VGN JNT
CLTRE VGN JNT, located in Virginia Beach, Describes itself as “a culturally immersive vegan breakfast & lunch joint”. Since its opening in a brand new space in the Kempsville Shopping Center in September of 2020, it has created quite the buzz around Virginia Beach (as well as the rest of Hampton Roads.) CLTRE has also been featured by our local news, as well as fellow foodie, Yelp Elite, and blogger Arielle Patterson over at The Cravings Queen. After eating at CLTRE several times myself, there’s not a doubt in my mind on why they have quickly become a Hampton Roads favorite.
Taken by Pravash M. - March 1st, 2021
My personal story with CLTRE VGN JNT actually started when I had just gotten my car fixed after a fender bender shortly after Halloween of last year. I was looking for something good to eat on my phone when CLTRE caught my eye on Yelp. Even though I’m not vegan myself, I’m always down to try new things, and their waffles caught my eye. I ordered the Sweet “Chocolate Dream” Waffle with bananas, granola, chocolate chips, and a chocolate cream cheese drizzle. The taste completely blew me away. Their waffles are served in a nice-sized portion and very filling; however, they do not make you feel bloated or weighed down at all. If you’re wondering why it’s because waffles at CLTRE are made with spelt flour and oat milk, which makes them have more protein and fewer calories than non-vegan waffles (which I learned after reading Ariel’s post). Moreover, I was so impressed with my food, and the quality of service that I had to keep coming back for more. Everything from the buffalo cauliflower wrap to the french toast, to the quiche, has been nothing short of amazing.
In addition to the food, CLTRE VGN JNT has some awesome staff as well. Laurel, Mathis, and Lijah are always warm and accommodating when I pay them a visit, which is easy to do when they have a boss as awesome as Luv working alongside them with positive and radiant energy. Over the past several months, I’ve held several conversations with Luv about her mission and vision with CLTRE VGN JNT, and recently she ever so graciously allowed me to have a formal interview with her.
Tell me about yourself: What are some fun facts about yourself that you’d like to share?
“I’ve been doing exactly what I've planned to do ever since I was a teenager. I love traveling; it’s my love language, I’m also super passionate about people.”
Why did you decide to become a restaurant owner?
“I've always said I wanted to open a Neo-Soul joint as a teenager where people can come and listen to live poetry, R&B music, watch live painters paint the experience of performers, and more. I also loved coffee growing up, it has always been a part of my family bonding. After traveling and visiting different local coffee shops and also wanting to bring that “Neo-Soul speakeasy” vibe to a space. I began my business off the strength that it will grow into that vibe naturally, and I'm so happy to see that it has.”
When did you start your business?
“CLTRE originally started in 2018 inside of a 300 square foot incubator space inside of an art gallery, and we moved to our new larger storefront location in September of 2020.”
What was your mission when you started up CLTRE VGN JNT?
“My mission is to create a space where social and creative channels can coexist together. This, alone, amplifies our creatives (artists, musicians, etc), who are a vital part of our community, in addition to building harmony across all cultures and backgrounds.”
What do you believe makes CLTRE VGN JNT Special?
“What makes CLTRE special is how everything with our vibe and atmosphere happens organically. Also, we are very people-centered and we take it very hard when a customer is dissatisfied. We strive to create a product and environment that grows into the hearts of people.”
What made you choose CLTRE VGN JNT's location?
“It actually just fell into our lap. Someone else had another business in the location and they were looking to end their lease. Long story short, I inquired about the space and was able to take the location over.”
What are the top 3 items CLTRE VGN JNT offers that you believe everyone has to try at least once?
“Our Waffles. We offer an array of different sweet/savory options, and they’re all delicious.”
“Our Brekkie Burrito. It’s a wrap with vegan sausage, arugula, soy-free/gluten-free tofu scramble, coconut bac'n, sriracha mayo & basil sauce.”
“Our Avocado Toast. It comes with housemade avocado, roasted tomato, arugula, soy-free/gluten-free tofu scramble, coconut bac'n & basil drizzle.”
What are some goals for CLTRE VGN JNT you’d like to achieve and/or things you’d like to see happen with CLTRE VGN JNT in the future?
· “We are trying to get a music series off the ground called “Local Time” where we support local artists and musicians (similar to tiny desk), give out video and photography content to use, and have a YouTube channel where the artists get to have their sessions archived. Eventually, we would like to try to get artists paid and receive more mainstream exposure.
· We would also like to have art therapy available so people can come and buy mini canvases to paint on.
· Lastly, we would like to build a franchise program for emerging entrepreneurs that want to have their own shop. It would be a 3-year program to franchise out their own business, and after the 3 years, they would train a new person to take over. “Leaders creating other leaders” if you will.”
All in All, after having so many amazing visits at CLTRE VGN JNT, and speaking with Luv, it’s no wonder why they’ve been able to have booming success despite a global pandemic. They’ve even made Yelp's list of the 100 Top Places to eat in 2021. If you ask me, no trip to Hampton Roads is complete without a stop at CLTRE VGN JNT, and they definitely have the Sonicjeb Eats stamp of approval. If you want to read more about my personal experiences at CLTRE, you can take a look at my yelp review here.
