Meet Mike Mangold, Co-Owner of Real Food Eatery,
which offers home-cooked food on the go. Real food is unadulterated, authentic, whole food
that is cultivated in the manner that nature intended.
There are currently 3 Real Food Eatery locations, including 4040 City Ave!
How did Real Food Eatery come about?
Our co-owner John and I would often complain about the lack of any farm-to-table style lunch in Philadelphia. It seemed that to get high-quality food out, one had to splurge in a fine-dining setting. We decided it was time for Philly to get real (food) in a fast, affordable setting.
What is your role at Real Food Eatery?
I’m the co-owner, alongside John Colasante.
Before working at Real Food Eatery, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
Working undercover at an undisclosed Chipotle in order to get some true fast casual restaurant experience in preparation for opening RFE.
How has Real Food Eatery helped you in your career development?
It is my career, through and through. If Real Food Eatery fails then so do I.
If you could switch your job with anyone else within Real Food Eatery, whose job would you want?
I would love to work in a prep role in the kitchen, but only if my boss allowed me to wear headphones so I could listen to podcasts while working. But I don’t think that’s allowed at RFE!
What are 3 words to describe Real Food Eatery?
Real, Food, Eatery. (No sarcasm, but the name sums it up nicely.)
What has been your favorite project at Real Food Eatery?
Opening a new store is exciting. Our City Avenue location is our third to date. Every time we open a new store we’re able to correct some of the mistakes that were made in previous store build-outs, getting closer and closer to the perfect store.
What is your favorite part about working for Real Food Eatery?
Interacting with enthusiastic customers.
What is your proudest moment at Real Food Eatery?
July 20th, 2016 – the day we opened our first store.
How do you define success?
The same way Bob Dylan once did: “A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and goes to bed at night, and in between does what he wants to do.” I’m nowhere near achieving that, but it’s certainly a goal.
If you had to eat one meal, every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Our Cobb Caesar with Salmon.
What did you want to be when growing up?
A Wall Street trader.
What do you always want to try and never did?
Rock Climbing!
What is your favorite thing to do in the area?
Dining out!
What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?
I would like to write screenplays.
You’re happiest when?
It’s sunny and between 60-80 degrees.
If you would like to be featured as the next Faces of City Ave, please email cityave@cityave.org
