This article is part of our Restaurant series, featuring remarkable independent restaurants that embody Healthy Anywhere standards and sensibility.
Introducing Nico Doniele: The Visionary Behind Marché, a Regenerative Cafe + Market
At Healthy Anywhere, we’re excited to share our conversation with Nico Doniele—a trailblazing entrepreneur and holistic health advocate who is working to bring a fresh take on organic, regenerative food to Austin, TX. Nico’s latest project, Marché, is much more than a cafe and market; it’s an experience crafted to meet the needs of modern, health-conscious eaters and diners who want high standards without sacrificing style or accessibility.
In this video interview, Nico takes us behind the scenes of her journey, sharing her mission to create a healthier, more sustainable food culture. Nico’s story—from her experiences with her first restaurant, Sante, to her vision for Marche—is filled with passion, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to elevating regenerative agriculture and wellness.
Watch the full interview to hear Nico’s story firsthand. For those interested in diving deeper, you’ll find more below.
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The Vision Behind Marché
Marché isn’t just a cafe or market—it’s an experience where community, health, and chic style meet. Slated to open in Austin, TX, Marché will offer everything from organic groceries and gourmet grab-and-go meals to a smoothie tonic and coffee bar, along with a cozy communal space for working, meeting, or simply enjoying a coffee. Nico Doniele, the mind behind Marché, has combined her years of experience in hospitality and health to create a vibrant yet inviting environment where Austin locals can find ethically and sustainably sourced, 100% organic products and prepared foods.
For Nico, the vision is to create an elevated space that embodies mindful living and conscious consumption, showcasing the best of local artisans and regenerative ingredients. “We want Marché to be the heartbeat of our community,” says Nico, “offering a blend of health and style that celebrates a lifestyle focused on sustainability and wellness.”
Those familiar with Erewhon in Los Angeles will find a similar ethos at Marché, yet with an added commitment to accessibility and down-to-earth charm that reflects Nico’s vision of making quality health and wellness approachable for all.
Nico’s Journey: A Lifelong Passion for Food and Wellness
Nico’s love for food and hospitality runs deep. The daughter of an award-winning executive chef, she grew up immersed in the world of fine dining, learning early on about the power of food to create connection and joy. With her background in health coaching from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and Stanford University Nutrition Science, Nico has built a career that seamlessly merges her hospitality roots with a passion for health and education.
Her journey has taken her from opening Sante, an organic fine-dining restaurant in Phoenix, to shaping a new culinary experience in Austin. At Sante, Nico was a pioneer, crafting a menu that honored regenerative and organic practices. Now, she’s set to bring that same dedication to Marché but in a way that’s approachable, fast-casual, and chic.
Overcoming Challenges in Regenerative Sourcing and Securing Funding
Sourcing ingredients that meet Marche’s high standards isn’t easy, but it’s a challenge Nico is wholeheartedly embracing. With regenerative farming still emerging in the U.S., finding suppliers who align with Marche’s commitment to organic, nutrient-dense, and sustainably produced food on a large scale remains complex. “There’s just not enough regenerative farms in America,” Nico says, “but we’re working on it.”
To support the growth of regenerative practices, Nico serves as a spokesperson for Thryv—a pioneering soil supplement designed to help farmers transition to regenerative agriculture by restoring nutrient density to their topsoil. Through Thryv, Nico is working to bring nutrient-rich, sustainable farming practices to a wider audience, hoping to bridge the gap between sustainable sourcing and accessible, healthy food for communities.
Marche’s sustainability mission goes beyond sourcing—it’s about building a movement around soil health, food quality, and education. Nico’s vision for Marché is to provide customers with produce grown in rich, nutrient-dense soil, making the “seed-to-table” concept a tangible reality. This commitment to regeneration is also a testament to Nico’s broader goals of inspiring and educating her community about mindful consumption and sustainable choices.
Given Marche’s high-design approach and ambitious vision, securing the right funding has become a key milestone. As of October 2024, Nico and her team are actively engaging with potential investors, with promising interest from those who share the values of organic, regenerative agriculture. This funding will be crucial to bringing Marche’s vision to life in Austin and eventually expanding to other cities.
Beyond Dining: Building Community and Lifestyle
Nico sees Marché as more than a dining spot; it’s a hub where locals can gather, enjoy nutritious meals, and connect. The design reflects this ethos, combining style with comfort to create a space that feels both inviting and sophisticated. “We want people to feel like they can come here for anything,” Nico explains, “to do their grocery shopping, grab dinner on the go, or even have a coffee date.”
A reflection of Nico’s multi-faceted personality and passions, Marché will offer a unique blend of organic grocery shopping, prepared meals, and communal space, all in one. It’s her way of honoring the convenience people crave while setting a new standard for the quality and sourcing of the foods they consume.
Photos Courtesy of Marché
A New Kind of Health Destination
Marché represents a step forward in the movement for accessible, regenerative food. In a world where conscious consumption is increasingly important, Nico’s mission is to provide a model of sustainability that’s as stylish as it is substantial. Her hope is that Marché becomes a go-to destination for those looking to make healthier, more sustainable choices in their daily lives.
For Nico, it’s all about creating a lifestyle space that celebrates the synergy between health, community, and beautiful design—a place where people feel welcome, inspired, and nourished. Join us in following her journey and witnessing the impact Marché will have in Austin and beyond.
[Coming soon: Complete Transcript Below]
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