Vegan Grab-and-Go Strives to Go Far

Imagine a Jackie Mason routine where four people are ordering at a restaurant, “I’m gluten free,” “I’m lactose intolerant,” “Eggs have too much cholesterol,” and so on. Chefs are listening. Thus, new Strive Foods is a bountiful “grab-and-go” plant-based shop with an extensive vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free menu in Sandy Springs.

Owner Claudine Molson-Sellers grew up in a foodie family and declared, “No matter where I am, the kitchen is where I find peace and happiness. My earliest memories center around food. Eating well is one of life’s greatest pleasures. That idea combined with my love for animals and my love for cooking, both just grew with time.”

Strive began in 2014, opening its first brick-and-mortar location in November 2019 and moving to its current space in October 2021. It has had such a loyal following that Yelp reviewers claim they moved to Sandy Springs “just to be nearby.” Others praise the staff “like they are really into working there.”

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Strive has prepared menu items in the fridge up front – both sweet and savory – and may include daily specials based on what’s “farm fresh.” There is also an online menu with even more options that can be ordered each day by 12 p.m. for next day pickup. This pre-order method worked especially well during COVID.

Desserts are among the most dazzling creations at Strive. Dream about “guilt-free” Snickers Bites, Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Bites, CBD Chocolate Bark, Caramel Sea Salt Bars, Red Wine Truffles and huge cookies and scones. Herald back to Molson-Seller’s eloping in Nepal at age 22, later enrolling at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts. She then worked at Val d’Isere in Whistler “baking up a storm.”

Cauliflower crusted pizza is a favorite colorful and complex menu item.

Her first business, “Whistlers Own Bakeshop,” lasted for eight years, while she supplied coffee shops and grocery stores in the Sea-to-Sky Valley (Canada) daily with fresh baked goods. She packaged her cookies, cookie dough, energy bars and pies which sold across Canada. In 2012, Sellers moved to Atlanta. With two school-aged kids and cooking at home, she read blogs on healthy plant-based eating. She said, “A plant-based diet is a win-win. Why isn’t everyone doing this?”

Cauliflower Crust Pizza is among Strive’s most complex and popular items at $9 a slice. Another is a Braised Tofu and Mushroom dish over their “Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes.” Those are multi-step dishes that take significant time and ingredients to prepare. Creativity and passion go into the ever-changing menu with choices including Mexican Pizza, Sliders, Raw Lasagna, Chia Pudding, and much more.

Staff member Natalya Fisher moved to Georgia from New York and said, “I am a vegan chef and keep a kosher home. The moment I tried Strive’s Buffalo Cauliflower Pizza, I applied for a job. That pizza was so fresh and vibrant, loaded with vegetables. Claudine [Molson-Sellers] is open to my needs. She doesn’t work on the Sabbath and promotes Jewish festivities by making traditional holiday food. She gives her staff the ability to express who we are through the food of their culture.”

A fan, Robyn Gerson said, “Strive is a surprising find and a welcomed gluten -free take-out option. I enjoy their pizza and put it in the air fryer to crisp up later. Their desserts were also interesting and worthy of a taste if you’re a chocolate lover. I’m looking forward to trying their gluten-free soups. Someone gave me a Strive gift card and I’m enjoying experimenting with new options.”

What we sampled:
Kieras Tacos were truly better than “the real thing.” Especially with the avocado tomatillo salsa.
Pasta Special with kalamata olives, walnuts and capers.
$8 or 16-ounce pickled purple cabbage, stood out among the tempeh bites.
Vegetable Soup hand cut chunks of celery, carrots, zucchini in a tomato base swirled with fresh herbs.
Sweet Potato Coconut Curry Soup stands toe-to-toe with the best Thai restaurant in town.
Kale Caesar is grainy but with tasty dressing, crispy chickpeas, crunchy parm. Don’t expect a traditional Caesar $8 for 16 ounce.
Buffalo Broccoli also available in cauliflower is $7.

Cranberry Orange Poppy Scone is a huge wedge that could last three breakfasts.
Key Lime Cheesecake came in two large slivers with magnificent green swirls, silkier than real cheesecake.
Raw Desserts and Scones costs about $8, cookies were about $7.

Strive caters for groups and events for up to 100 people.
Parking has easy access and is free.
Phone: 678-732-3198
225 Hilderbrand Rd. Atlanta, Ga. 30328
Open Daily- Mon, Weds, Thurs and Fri, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m./ Tues 12N to 4 p.m. Sat 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. / Sun. 12N to 4 p.m.