Good Vibes, Good Meals At New Toms River Market

TOMS RIVER, NJ — In a society that's always on the go, quick and easy meals have become big business.

Meal preparation companies have been trying to bridge the gap between grabbing a burger and fries at McDonald's and making dinner from scratch at home — a skill that not everyone has learned or enjoys.

A new Toms River company is hoping to do just that. Good Vibes Foods, which is holding its grand opening on Friday in the Downtown Shoppes at 53 Main, is a cross between an eat-in restaurant and a carry-out place, with an emphasis is on clean eating.

"When I first moved out I was eating a lot of fast food and I gained a lot of weight," said Nik Nyman, who owns Good Vibes Food with friend Andres Riviera. He started eating healthy to combat the weight gain, and realized he wanted to share options for eating healthy with others, he said.

Initially Nyman, 22, and Riviera, 26, operated simply as a mobile meal prep company, Nyman said, delivering quick, easy and nutritious meals to customers. But Good Vibes Food allows them to expand the options, he said.

With the store, called the Good Vibes Food Marketplace, people looking for a quick meal can stop in and pick up premade meals that simply have to be heated. There's an option to heat and eat right on the premises, Nyman said. They offer a selection of snacks and drinks as well, all focused on healthy eating.

In addition, they still offer the meal prep service, which delivers meals to customers who preorder, similar to programs like Home Chef.

"This gives people more flexibility and a healthy alternative," Nyman said.

They also price their meals with affordability in mind. While meal prep companies typically charge $11 or more, Nyman said their meals are typically priced at $8, with a larger portion option available for $10.

The two friends and their employee, Katie Costello, make most of the meals themselves and the menu includes chicken, beef and vegan options among others.

"We're hoping to get another refrigerator soon to expand our menu," which right now includes more than 20 meal options, he said.

Good Vibes Food opened Sept. 9. Friday's grand opening, which begins at 10 a.m., will include discounts, contests for free meals and more, he said. The website contains a list of menu options along with information on how to order meals in advance. The Facebook page is providing updates on the ribbon-cutting.

"Our one major goal is to provide food that allows others to maintain their everyday motions stress free while fueling their body in a positive way!" the website says. "Whether you're looking to simplify your routine by letting us do the cooking or you're searching for a way to improve your way of life, we’re here to help!"

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