The Healthy Shack in Lansdale Announces Closure for Winter

Tony Di Domizio | North Penn Now•

The owners of The Healthy Shack on Madison Street have chosen to close the business for the remainder of the winter, beginning Feb. 1.

The announcement on Facebook from the business came after a review of its business model and finances. As the post said, they are not saying goodbye, just "acai” you later.

"We want to take a minute to apologize to our loyal customers. We have been blessed and appreciate all your support,” said the post. "We want to thank our staff. We have a small, but mighty crew and we couldn’t be more proud getting to know each and every one of them.”

Co-owner Buddy Harris said he and fiancée Julie Palermo, who also own Lansdale Tavern, started the business from scratch.

"I drew the floor plan for what you see when you walk in. We made the entire menu from scratch. A menu that's based on making smoothies and smoothie bowls at home. The logo, the name, the colors, all made by us from scratch. I say that with pride,” Harris said. "But, there were definitely some mistakes and hiccups.”

Harris said the name "The Healthy Shack” may be a deterrent at times.

"People hear ‘healthy’ and they say ‘not in the mood’ or ‘that’s not really my thing,’” Harris said.

Payroll and food costs are both higher than originally anticipated, he said.

"And I'm sure I could be critical and blame parking and possibly location. But, I don't really think that's the case,” Harris said. "I think all of that can be overcome. Ultimately, Julie and I have struggled to dedicate the time that business deserves. Between the tavern and the kids and comedy, it's been hard to put the amount of focus a new business deserves. And that's not fair to the staff or the public.”

Harris always comes back to his crew when talking about their businesses. He and Palermo are proud of all of them and even spend time with them when they can.

It is all reciprocal – the staff want to be proud of what Palermo and Harris do too.

"They want it to be busy,” he said. "They want that hustle of being the hot spot in town. And we haven't figured that out for them.”

Customers, he said, have not fully caught on to the tacos and rice bowls to help the business get through the colder months.

"They haven't found out that we offer coffee. I haven't done great getting all of that from our doorstep to the public, and I take responsibility,” Harris said.

But even with the dismal news, there is light peeking through.

"The borough and the community has been nothing but supportive. We were sad to see some of the other local businesses closing. And we felt bad to piggyback on that moment,” Harris said. "We want the town to be a destination and we hope this doesn't deter people from coming here with their business because the borough and the community has been nothing but a positive for us.”

Harris wanted to promote similar local businesses for their customers, so they are not left in the dark.

"The Juice Pod, Lansdale has everything amazing from amazing salads to acai bowls to smoothies. Be Still Nutrition has flavorful smoothies and great teas. Keep your healthy eating journey going,” he said.