In the News
Amanda's Restaurant is not only the talk of the local community, but of the local press as well. Find below some of our more notable mentions!
Healthy Fast Food Restaurant Owner Named As Woman Entrepreneur Of The Year In Berkeley - September, 2010
"Her name is Amanda West. Recently this restaurateur was named as "Woman Entrepreneur of the Year in Berkeley". The recognition was awarded to her by the Bay Area nonprofit Women's Initiative for Self-Employment..helping out and giving back to the community has always and will always be a part of West's business strategy. "Everything in our business is based on creating a healthy community, for every decision we take we do extensive analysis not only on the impact on our bottom line, but also the impact on the community."
"Her name is Amanda West. Recently this restaurateur was named as "Woman Entrepreneur of the Year in Berkeley". The recognition was awarded to her by the Bay Area nonprofit Women's Initiative for Self-Employment..helping out and giving back to the community has always and will always be a part of West's business strategy. "Everything in our business is based on creating a healthy community, for every decision we take we do extensive analysis not only on the impact on our bottom line, but also the impact on the community."
Berkeley restaurateur is woman entrepreneur of 2010 - September, 2010
"Amanda West...has become firmly embedded in the fabric of the city. And her achievements and positive impact have just been recognized with the designation "Woman Entrepreneur of the Year in Berkeley", awarded by the Bay Area nonprofit Women's Initiative for Self-Employment...The Entrepreneur award recognizes women business owners in the Bay Area who have been successful despite what Women's Initiative sees as the barriers that exist for women business owners. The group looks for people who exemplify how business ownership and leadership is beneficial for women, have a positive impact on the local community or the community at large and advance their business through innovation.
"Amanda West...has become firmly embedded in the fabric of the city. And her achievements and positive impact have just been recognized with the designation "Woman Entrepreneur of the Year in Berkeley", awarded by the Bay Area nonprofit Women's Initiative for Self-Employment...The Entrepreneur award recognizes women business owners in the Bay Area who have been successful despite what Women's Initiative sees as the barriers that exist for women business owners. The group looks for people who exemplify how business ownership and leadership is beneficial for women, have a positive impact on the local community or the community at large and advance their business through innovation.
Home Grown Local Radio Show interviews Amanda West - August, 2010
This isn't your average fast food restaurant, as Amanda describes this as "Slow Food for Fast People".
This isn't your average fast food restaurant, as Amanda describes this as "Slow Food for Fast People".
Amanda's Voted "Best Healthy Fast Food" - July, 2010
East Bay Express readers once again voted Amanda's Best of the East Bay, this year as "Best Healthy Fast Food".
East Bay Express readers once again voted Amanda's Best of the East Bay, this year as "Best Healthy Fast Food".
Amanda's Voted Top 3 "Best Healthy Lunch Spot" - June, 2010
Amanda's Feel Good Fresh Food Restaurant Voted Top 3 "Best Healthy Lunch Spot" in the San Francisco Chronicle's 2010 Best of the BayList.
Amanda's Feel Good Fresh Food Restaurant Voted Top 3 "Best Healthy Lunch Spot" in the San Francisco Chronicle's 2010 Best of the BayList.
Amanda's Founder, Amanda West, recognized by Assemblymember Skinner as Small Business Owner of the Year - May 2010
"I chose Amanda West as Small Business Person of the Year for District 14 because of her commitment to environmental sustainability and living wages for employees and her continuous investment in our community," said Assemblymember Skinner. "Amanda has created a restaurant that both recognizes the fast-paced lives that so many of us lead while providing healthy food that's affordable and delicious,' Skinner said."
"I chose Amanda West as Small Business Person of the Year for District 14 because of her commitment to environmental sustainability and living wages for employees and her continuous investment in our community," said Assemblymember Skinner. "Amanda has created a restaurant that both recognizes the fast-paced lives that so many of us lead while providing healthy food that's affordable and delicious,' Skinner said."
Amanda's one of Gayot's 2010 top 40 Cheap Eats in US - May 2010
"From the crowds of hungry Cal students and office workers filing into the bright, clean space at lunchtime, it appears that the naturally-raised burgers, baked fries and organic salads are a welcome alternative to greasy eats in this neighborhood."
"From the crowds of hungry Cal students and office workers filing into the bright, clean space at lunchtime, it appears that the naturally-raised burgers, baked fries and organic salads are a welcome alternative to greasy eats in this neighborhood."
Amanda's in QSR Magazine Eco-Tool Kit Edition - March 2010
"No matter the size of the quick serve, West's advice is that 'it is important to be authentic when you're marketing. People appreciate our Google spreadsheet we embedded in our Web site that says what we're doing well and what could do better. That's really transparent. If you say we're doing something well, why not say what you'd like to do better?'"
"No matter the size of the quick serve, West's advice is that 'it is important to be authentic when you're marketing. People appreciate our Google spreadsheet we embedded in our Web site that says what we're doing well and what could do better. That's really transparent. If you say we're doing something well, why not say what you'd like to do better?'"
San Francisco Examiner: Heart Healthy San Francisco Bay Area Restaurants - January 2010
"A heart-healthy diet should be low in sodium, cholesterol and saturated fat-but that doesn't mean it has to be low in taste. These restaurants in San Francisco/Bay Area offer meal choices that will help you to both eat well and live well...Amanda's, a healthy and sustainable take on fast food in downtown Berkeley."
"A heart-healthy diet should be low in sodium, cholesterol and saturated fat-but that doesn't mean it has to be low in taste. These restaurants in San Francisco/Bay Area offer meal choices that will help you to both eat well and live well...Amanda's, a healthy and sustainable take on fast food in downtown Berkeley."
TriplePundit Start-up Friday: Amanda's Feel Good Fresh (Fast) Food - December 2010
""A mix of meat and vegetarian options without preaching the latter, sourced as organically and sustainably as possible - and no high fructose corn syrup in the homemade sodas. But what struck me as most impressive, and what to me will ensure her success, is the educational and conversational attitude the growing business presents to its customers. The source and ingredients of each food item are available and enthusiastically displayed..."
""A mix of meat and vegetarian options without preaching the latter, sourced as organically and sustainably as possible - and no high fructose corn syrup in the homemade sodas. But what struck me as most impressive, and what to me will ensure her success, is the educational and conversational attitude the growing business presents to its customers. The source and ingredients of each food item are available and enthusiastically displayed..."
Amanda's in "The Secret Green Sauce by Bill Roth" - November 2010
"'The Secret Green Sauce(TM) for Amanda's success is healthy convenience food offered at competitive prices. My first meal at Amanda's was a veggieburger and apple "fries" that cost $6. It was my first veggieburger and I was stunned at how good it tasted."
"'The Secret Green Sauce(TM) for Amanda's success is healthy convenience food offered at competitive prices. My first meal at Amanda's was a veggieburger and apple "fries" that cost $6. It was my first veggieburger and I was stunned at how good it tasted."
San Francisco Examiner: Seven Healthy Eateries in Berkeley - September 2010
"This is a great burger joint with a healthier twist. With an emphasis on fresh healthy food, they offer veggie burgers, great salads and baked (not deep fried) French fries. Don't worry, they also have all of the good stuff that you are wanting like cheeseburgers and soda. With reasonable prices and great food, this is the place to go for a quick healthy burger."
"This is a great burger joint with a healthier twist. With an emphasis on fresh healthy food, they offer veggie burgers, great salads and baked (not deep fried) French fries. Don't worry, they also have all of the good stuff that you are wanting like cheeseburgers and soda. With reasonable prices and great food, this is the place to go for a quick healthy burger."
Tastebuds: Amanda's Slow Food in the Fast Lane by Rich Higgins - September 2010
"How often do restaurants try to create a healthy community? A lofty goal, certainly, and if it's possible, Amanda's Feel Good Fresh Food in Berkeley could be the most likely candidate."
"How often do restaurants try to create a healthy community? A lofty goal, certainly, and if it's possible, Amanda's Feel Good Fresh Food in Berkeley could be the most likely candidate."
NBC Ecologic Report Visits Amanda's - July 30, 2009
"It's a twist on the conventional burgers and fries joint...the focus is on healthy foods to feed your stomach and eco-friendly business practices to nourish your soul."
"It's a twist on the conventional burgers and fries joint...the focus is on healthy foods to feed your stomach and eco-friendly business practices to nourish your soul."
Best New Fast Food Place 2009 - July, 2009
"Amanda's typically attracts a good-sized, steady crowd throughout the day with a menu of indulgent yet not-horrible-for-you versions of fast-food treats."
"Amanda's typically attracts a good-sized, steady crowd throughout the day with a menu of indulgent yet not-horrible-for-you versions of fast-food treats."
Top Ten Organic Fast Food Restaurant - June, 2009
"After a few years of blogging, Amanda spun off the Net and opened up the first ( and only to date) Amanda's Feel Good Fresh Food"
"After a few years of blogging, Amanda spun off the Net and opened up the first ( and only to date) Amanda's Feel Good Fresh Food"
Local Hero Innovator: Amanda of Amanda's Feel Good Fresh Food - Spring, 2009
"We created this extra award especially for Amanda West of Amanda's Feel Good Fresh Food for her part in helping reinvent the idea of fast food. "I think of it as slow food for fast people"."
"We created this extra award especially for Amanda West of Amanda's Feel Good Fresh Food for her part in helping reinvent the idea of fast food. "I think of it as slow food for fast people"."
Amanda's Feel Good Fresh Food - March 2009
"From the crowds of hungry Cal students and office workers filing into the bright, clean space at lunchtime, it appears that the naturally-raised burgers, baked fries and organic salads are a welcome alternative to greasy eats in this neighborhood."
"From the crowds of hungry Cal students and office workers filing into the bright, clean space at lunchtime, it appears that the naturally-raised burgers, baked fries and organic salads are a welcome alternative to greasy eats in this neighborhood."
Slow Food Principles in this Fast Food Joint - March 22nd, 2009
"On one visit, I ordered the Grilled Citrus Chicken Salad ($6.45), which was a nice-size salad made with naturally-raised chicken, radicchio, red onion, jicama, orange segments and white beans...I was amazed at the freshness of the ingredients, which was more restaurant quality. In fact, the jicama was so fresh that it made me a convert for this crunchy white vegetable that I generally avoid because I thought it was bland. But I realized that when fresh, jicama can be slightly sweet and fun to eat."
"On one visit, I ordered the Grilled Citrus Chicken Salad ($6.45), which was a nice-size salad made with naturally-raised chicken, radicchio, red onion, jicama, orange segments and white beans...I was amazed at the freshness of the ingredients, which was more restaurant quality. In fact, the jicama was so fresh that it made me a convert for this crunchy white vegetable that I generally avoid because I thought it was bland. But I realized that when fresh, jicama can be slightly sweet and fun to eat."
Bargain Bite: Amanda's Feel Good Fresh Food - February 26th, 2009
"This is a hamburger joint with a mission. Located near UC Berkeley, the counter-service restaurant offers quick meals and snacks without the calorie and fat punch of your average fast-food chain. The prices are agreeable too."
"This is a hamburger joint with a mission. Located near UC Berkeley, the counter-service restaurant offers quick meals and snacks without the calorie and fat punch of your average fast-food chain. The prices are agreeable too."
Healthy burgers and homemade raspberry soda - February 6th, 2009
"Fast food that's good for you! A meal with 365 and under $20!"
"Fast food that's good for you! A meal with 365 and under $20!"
Slow Food For Fast People: An Interview With Amanda West, Creator of Amanda's Feel Good Fresh Food - January 26th, 2009
"Amanda's also goes out of its way to reduce its impact on the environment. For example, they won't sell bottled water since it creates too much landfill waste and takes a lot of petroleum to transport. Everything served in the restaurant is also fully compostable...[feeding] directly into Berkeley's city composting program where it will become rich soil for local farms and city landscaping projects in a matter of months...The future of fast food has never looked so green nor so healthy!"
"Amanda's also goes out of its way to reduce its impact on the environment. For example, they won't sell bottled water since it creates too much landfill waste and takes a lot of petroleum to transport. Everything served in the restaurant is also fully compostable...[feeding] directly into Berkeley's city composting program where it will become rich soil for local farms and city landscaping projects in a matter of months...The future of fast food has never looked so green nor so healthy!"
Slow Food For Fast People - January 22nd, 2009
"Fast food is the ultimate American invention--quick, cheap meals for people on the go. But we pay a heavy price for our national addiction--an epidemic of obesity, the destruction of our fragile environment, and the loss of community ties that could be maintained by taking the time to prepare and eat food together. Despite these negatives, the need for quick, affordable food is undeniable in today's world. But why on earth are McDonalds and its competitors our only options? Every single time I get hungry on the road, in an airport, or at a shopping mall I wish that someone would hurry up and open a healthy fast food restaurant! Turns out the wait is finally over--Amanda's Feel Good Fresh Food restaurant opened it's doors for business in Berkeley at the end of July 2008."
"Fast food is the ultimate American invention--quick, cheap meals for people on the go. But we pay a heavy price for our national addiction--an epidemic of obesity, the destruction of our fragile environment, and the loss of community ties that could be maintained by taking the time to prepare and eat food together. Despite these negatives, the need for quick, affordable food is undeniable in today's world. But why on earth are McDonalds and its competitors our only options? Every single time I get hungry on the road, in an airport, or at a shopping mall I wish that someone would hurry up and open a healthy fast food restaurant! Turns out the wait is finally over--Amanda's Feel Good Fresh Food restaurant opened it's doors for business in Berkeley at the end of July 2008."
Amanda's Restaurant - November 2008
"Amanda's...serves fast food that is healthy, fresh and low calorie...naturally raised beef, whole wheat buns and organic greens. Founder Amanda West even makes her sodas fresh in house."
"Amanda's...serves fast food that is healthy, fresh and low calorie...naturally raised beef, whole wheat buns and organic greens. Founder Amanda West even makes her sodas fresh in house."
Amanda's Restaurant - November 2008
"On Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley, it's the perfect venue for a melting pot of customers who need food fast. They can choose that beef burger or a nutty vegetarian one, grilled nutty vegetarian one, grilled chicken on a bun, veggie-laden salads that actually fill you up, even warm cookies (only 70 calories each) and strawberry-flavored milk."
"On Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley, it's the perfect venue for a melting pot of customers who need food fast. They can choose that beef burger or a nutty vegetarian one, grilled nutty vegetarian one, grilled chicken on a bun, veggie-laden salads that actually fill you up, even warm cookies (only 70 calories each) and strawberry-flavored milk."
Amanda's Restaurant - October 2008
"We don't want to label this healthy, organic fare "fast food," but it comes quickly and inexpensively at Amanda's Restaurant."
"We don't want to label this healthy, organic fare "fast food," but it comes quickly and inexpensively at Amanda's Restaurant."
Amanda's Restaurant - October 2008
"I love, love, love this place...now my favorite habit is to get a veggie burger at Amanda's and then go to see a movie at Shattuck Cinema...delicious...sizes are perfect...The prices are great."
"I love, love, love this place...now my favorite habit is to get a veggie burger at Amanda's and then go to see a movie at Shattuck Cinema...delicious...sizes are perfect...The prices are great."
Amanda's - September 24th, 2008
"In-n-Out meets Whole Foods at the new ecofriendly East Bay joint serving up healthy on-the-go grub like vegan burgers and baked fries..."
"In-n-Out meets Whole Foods at the new ecofriendly East Bay joint serving up healthy on-the-go grub like vegan burgers and baked fries..."
All Tomorrow's Burgers - September 17th, 2008
"...It's all part of a worthy premise, and that premise is a savvy promise which is embodied in the restaurant's motto: Feel Good Fresh Food. It's brilliant, really."
"...It's all part of a worthy premise, and that premise is a savvy promise which is embodied in the restaurant's motto: Feel Good Fresh Food. It's brilliant, really."
Amanda's - September, 2008
"Founder Amanda West had dreamed of a quick service restaurant that would serve nutritious meals...the menu includes natural meat burgers, vegan burgers, fresh salads, baked french fries, organic apple fries with honey yogurt dipping sauce, and freshly made sodas with agave nectar."
"Founder Amanda West had dreamed of a quick service restaurant that would serve nutritious meals...the menu includes natural meat burgers, vegan burgers, fresh salads, baked french fries, organic apple fries with honey yogurt dipping sauce, and freshly made sodas with agave nectar."
Amanda's: Healthy fast food - September 6th, 2008
"Amanda is making a bold statement, that healthy fast food can be SEXY, AFFORDABLE, DELICIOUS"
"Amanda is making a bold statement, that healthy fast food can be SEXY, AFFORDABLE, DELICIOUS"
Amanda's Feel Good Fresh Food - August 19th, 2008
Narsai David: "...new approach to fast food. Serving low fat, nutritional food in just the right portions..."
Narsai David: "...new approach to fast food. Serving low fat, nutritional food in just the right portions..."
Good Eats: Amanda's in downtown Berkeley - August 6th, 2008
"...The format is similar to In and Out with it's simple menu, but let the comparison end there. I'd eat off the floor at this place. Seriously. It is amazingly clean. The modern, eco-chic decor is appealing..."
"...The format is similar to In and Out with it's simple menu, but let the comparison end there. I'd eat off the floor at this place. Seriously. It is amazingly clean. The modern, eco-chic decor is appealing..."
At Last, Healthy Fast Food! - August 2nd, 2008
"The main selling points of Amanda's (besides the location) for me are: 100% compostable, Naturally-raised meats, Fresh produce, Affordable prices, Low fat & health-conscious."
"The main selling points of Amanda's (besides the location) for me are: 100% compostable, Naturally-raised meats, Fresh produce, Affordable prices, Low fat & health-conscious."
Restaurant openings: Amanda's - July 30th, 2008
"Restaurant openings: Amanda's Feel Good Fresh Food Restaurant. Natural meats, vegan burgers and apple fries, served on compostable serving ware, opened Monday."
"Restaurant openings: Amanda's Feel Good Fresh Food Restaurant. Natural meats, vegan burgers and apple fries, served on compostable serving ware, opened Monday."
Remodel of Former Bentley's Facade - July 30th, 2008
"The site now houses Amanda's Restaurant, whose owner Amanda West said she wants to restore some old features and add some new ones to the building's facade."
"The site now houses Amanda's Restaurant, whose owner Amanda West said she wants to restore some old features and add some new ones to the building's facade."
Creating a Healthy America, One Hamburger at a Time - April, 2008
"Two thrids of the [American] population is overweight or obese,"West says. "At the same time, most people don't want to be that way...So there's a discrepancy...people aren't willing to give up convenience for health."
"Two thrids of the [American] population is overweight or obese,"West says. "At the same time, most people don't want to be that way...So there's a discrepancy...people aren't willing to give up convenience for health."
