Small Business Sneak Peak: Bom Dia Treats, Coming to the North Loop January 2024

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Dennise MejiaBom Dia Treats will open next month in the North Loop's McKesson Building at 251 N 1st Avenue. Co-Founder Dennise Mejia spoke to us about the inspiration for the business, the science behind Bom Dia Treats and the variety of good eats we’ll find there. I cannot wait to try the Viking Bowl! The business is set to open at the end of January.

Q:  How did the idea for Bom Dia Treats come about, and what inspired you to start this business?

A:  The idea came from my business partner, Mauricio Berti and I, while we were in the COVID-19 pandemic. One time during a cold winter day we were really craving an authentic acai bowl like the ones you find in South America. Unfortunately, we only found a couple of places with this kind of food alternative and did not taste the same as the ones we tried in the tropical areas. Ever since that day, we started making our own smoothie bowls and creating different healthy recipes that we could eat every day. We used to make smoothie bowls for friends, which they loved so much because of all the health benefits they provide. After a little while, we thought of the idea to start a small business where we could sell healthy and tasty products for everyone. Mauricio and I were inspired by the love and social responsibility we have for our most vulnerable communities and some families going through bad health conditions in need of a regular healthy snack or treat.

Bom Dia Acai Breeze

Bom Dia Blue Shake

Q:  You have a background in molecular biology and chemistry. How did your education and experience help in the launch of Bom Dia Treats? 

A:  One of my biggest passions in life is helping others and advising people about their health, which is the reason why I decided to study Biology and Chemistry. During my career in the healthcare industry, I decided to go back to school at St. Thomas to do my masters in Regulatory Science where basically I learned why it is so important to help improve quality of life, care about patient safety and the protection of human health. I found it so rewarding to work in my field because it impacts peoples’ lives. This was the main reason to create Bom Dia Treats, where our goal is to make healthy products that are positively impacting the health of so many people in my community. We make real food products with low sugar and less calorie content, in recipes that people with specific health conditions could still enjoy. Research studies have suggested acai berries may help boost cognitive function, protect heart health, and prevent cancer. I would like to contribute to this research study as I want my business to promote health awareness for a better future when it comes to eating habits. 

Q:  You worked with the Latino Economic Development Center to launch your business. Please tell us about that experience.

A:  Yes, LEDC helped us in all the processes to expand our business into our first standalone store. They have an amazing team that has supported us since day 1 in our business development, technical assistance, coaching and access to capital. They made our dream possible after so many months of looking for the right place, planning all the project deliverables and timelines.

Vikings Bowl

Q:  What is a must-try menu item when we visit your shop? 

A:  Definitely the Vikings Bowl - which was created in honor to the Minnesota Vikings football team. People love the combination of toppings with the acai base and peanut butter. 

Q:  What sets your treats apart from other similar businesses with healthy bowl offerings? 

A:  We offer antioxidant-rich treats that are handcrafted and prepared with quality foods like gluten-free granola, fresh produce, and natural sweeteners to provide a healthy and natural source of vitamins and protein without artificial additives or preservatives.

Bom Dia Treats is different from other similar places as we have three motivations that are the drivers of our daily effort: (1) Offer healthy nutrition without sacrificing good taste for the exquisite; (2) Promote the resocialization of farmers of our Amazon region, by presenting them with a worthy work alternative, planting acai in exchange for others crops, and (3) Contribute to the recovery of the Amazon by reforesting the forests with crops of acai, a plant native to the region and without the use of agrochemicals, and totally organic fertilization.

Q:  Sounds like a solid business plan. How may we follow your news?

A:  You can check our Instagram and Facebook pages to check updates/news of our products and new location.