MEET THE WINNER | Best Grab-and-Go Healthy Food: Groovy Gratitude
Groovy Gratitude is a neighborhood café rooted in intention, flavor, and community, offering smoothies, bowls, and drinks that make wellness feel accessible, joyful, and authentic. Alicia Dixon and Marquis White, founders of Groovy Gratitude through their Dixon-White Restaurant Group, have built their hospitality brands around the belief that food and beverage should do more than satisfy hunger; they should create opportunities for healthier, more connected communities.
Drawing on backgrounds in healthcare, operations, and community work, Alicia and Marquis created a space where wellness feels approachable, joyful, and deeply rooted in Memphis culture.
THEIR MISSION
Groovy Gratitude was built on the belief that wellness should be accessible to everyone, not reserved for a select few. “Wellness is not a luxury; it’s a right,” the founders agree. “There’s a common assumption that wellness spaces are for a certain type of person, income level, and certain aesthetic or lifestyle. When you walk through our doors, you’re not expected to be on a wellness journey already. You’re just invited to start one, right where you are, over a smoothie, a good playlist, and a conversation with someone who genuinely cares.”
Every aspect of the café has been intentionally designed to make people feel welcome, whether they’re lifelong wellness enthusiasts or trying their first smoothie. From the carefully crafted menu to the music playing throughout the space, every detail is meant to lower barriers and invite people to begin their wellness journey exactly where they are.
WHAT SETS THEM APART
While many businesses focus on selling products, Groovy Gratitude focuses on creating experiences. Rather than separating food from culture or wellness from community, they’ve intentionally
woven the two together. Community block parties, wellness activations, DJ-led experiences, partnerships, and neighborhood events are central to the brand’s mission.
Their organic growth reflects their approach; without relying on paid advertising, Groovy Gratitude has cultivated a loyal following built through word of mouth, exceptional hospitality, and meaningful connections with guests.
“We’re not chasing a trend,” they say. “We’re building a platform rooted in Memphis, designed for community, and built to last.”
EXPERT ADVICE
The founders encourage people to stop waiting for the perfect time to prioritize their health.
“Start where you are,” they say. “Not where you think you should be, but where you actually are.” Alicia and Marquis agree that wellness doesn’t require a complete lifestyle overhaul. Sometimes it’s a quiet moment of gratitude before the day begins, a walk to clear your mind, a nourishing meal, or spending time with people who pour into you. Their philosophy is that wellness looks different for everyone, and every positive step counts.
LOOKING FORWARD
Groovy Gratitude continues to expand its impact well beyond the café walls. This year, the team is expanding its lineup of community-centered wellness events, including Rhythm of Life during Minority Health Month and Summer SOULstice, a celebration of Black Music Month, along with new programming and experiences they’re developing for their community across the city.
The founders are also strengthening partnerships throughout Memphis while continuing to establish Groovy Gratitude as a destination where wellness and community naturally intersect. Although growing a small business comes with its challenges, Alicia and Marquis remain optimistic about what’s ahead. “The community has shown up for us in ways that continue to inspire everything we do,” they say. “The best is truly yet to come.”
Groovygratitude.com
IG: @groovy_gratitude / TikTok: @groovy_gratitude
By Zoe Harrison / Photo by Josh Clark
