Philly Grub

Entrepreneur Anjali Gupta of Pinwheel Provisions has a lot to be excited about these days. Just months after moving her popular, innovative “fresh frozen” meal solutions business from Narberth to a larger, more prominent location at 860 W. Lancaster Ave. in Bryn Mawr, the woman who is revolutionizing healthy, locally sourced, frozen prepared meals on the Main Line is welcoming a new chef, debuting a new spring menu, and celebrating the launch of her ‘Wich Way sandwich bar.

“The mission of Pinwheel is to make it easier for people to eat better — whether at home or on the go – by utilizing all natural, local produce and ingredients for convenient easy-to-serve dishes the whole household will enjoy; our new sandwich bar expands on that concept,” explained Gupta.

She said customers can pick up made-to-order, balanced meals on the go with the menu inspired by global lunchtime favorites.

“Here in America at lunch, it’s almost impossible to get something healthy that also tastes good. The menu is inspired by meals that I have enjoyed in Europe, where lunch is more balanced and vegetable forward with reasonable portions — and you don’t get that mid-afternoon slump.”

The new menu embraces cuisines from Italy, Denmark, Great Britain, India, Morocco and more, and features seasonal soups, salads and sandwiches including: Minty Pea Soup (local sweet peas, fresh mint); Za’atar Roasted Carrot Salad (with crunchy toasted chickpeas, cranberries, toasted almonds, arugula, gremolata, lemon vinaigrette); the Ploughman’s Sandwich – artisan ham, British aged cheddar, zesty tomato chutney, pickled onions, greens, and mustard butter on wholegrain bread; the Bombay Toastie – a vegan grilled triangle sandwich filled with spiced potato & pea filling and mint chutney on Merzbacher’s sweet potato bread; the Luisa – a Scandinavian-style open-faced sandwich combining chicken salad, blueberries, red onion, toasted almonds, fresh greens, and mint & yogurt dressing on atop a European-style flatbread; and Three for Tea — featuring an assortment of delectable tea sandwiches. There is even a toasted sandwich option for young (or young-at-heart) customers featuring peanut butter (or a nut-free butter option), chocolate, and bananas. Gupta has lived in France, Italy, Great Britain, and Germany, and has traveled extensively. The menu reflects her familiarity with global cuisines. All sandwiches can be made gluten free.

View the full menu here.

Gupta has also hired local culinary veteran Colin Mason to helm the kitchen. Chef Mason is no stranger to the Philadelphia restaurant scene, having worked as the Executive Chef of Sola BYOB, and in top Philly kitchens including Fork, Kanella, Lola’s Garden and most recently as chef de cuisine at The Pullman Restaurant & Bar in Bryn Mawr.

“I now get to use all of my many years of experience and techniques from fine dining and farm-to-table cooking and apply the same level to our international lunch offerings,” Mason said. “I’m excited about this menu, and I really love the range of the cuisine.”

Mason’s interest in all natural farming and local produce started very early while attending the Milton Hershey boarding school in Hershey, PA.

“We harvested our own corn, soybeans and alfalfa for the campus and took care of the school’s cows, goats and pigs. While most kids were excited to get their driver’s licenses, my first license was for a tractor and corn combine.” Mason is also helping to craft Pinwheel Provisions’ new tea and coffee program, which they plan to roll out in the coming weeks.

In addition to The ‘Wich Way sandwich bar, Pinwheel will continue to offer the three innovative meal components which are the foundation of the business: “Fresh Frozens”, “Ready Dishes,” and “Mealmakers,” as well as expanded pantry items and pastries, all from local, small batch producers. The former corporate business consultant introduced IQF (individual quick frozen) vegetables to area families first as a weekend pop up in Kennett Square in 2019, and later from a small storefront in Narberth.

It replicates a widespread trend in Europe, where fresh vegetables and fruits are individually flash frozen right at harvest, super-fast, at a super low temperature, which locks in the at-harvest nutrients, flavors, and textures.

“We call it ‘farm to freezer,’ quipped Gupta. “Everything is washed, prepped, and ready to use so it cuts down advance planning and meal prep time.”

Customers scoop items from self-serve freezers into reusable freezer bags or their own bags or containers, or can select from pre-packaged Ready Meals, cutting down on waste. Gupta says 40% of produce purchased in the U.S. ends up in landfills. But since customers can buy as much or as little as they want of their frozen items, there is no food waste or spoilage. The products will also keep in optimal condition in the freezer for up to a year.

Pinwheel Provisions’ “Ready Dishes” are chef-created meals cooked locally in small batches with zero preservatives or additives and frozen to be heated and served whenever the customer chooses. They feature a variety of cuisines and diet options ranging from vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free.

“Mealmakers” are versatile artisan sauces, marinades, spice blends and bases to help convert frozen (and fresh) ingredients into meals quickly and effortlessly, along with a selection of dry goods (pasta, grains, rices, and beans) to round out the selections.

Gupta’s vendors go through a rigorous vetting process.

She said “supporting other local, producers/suppliers and especially women and minorities, is a priority.” She draws support from the Sisterly Love Collective of women makers and restaurateurs, with a significant portion of her inventory sourced from members.

The Bryn Mawr location features an expanded inventory, including fresh pastries from Philadelphia bakeries such as my Sweet Gluttony, Care Package Bakes, and High Fidelity (all vegan & gluten free); locally produced ice cream from Milk Jawn; and many other desserts — all with gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options.

Gupta also stocks Indian products from her parents’ business, Jyoti Natural Foods, which produces ready-to-eat, shelf-stable Indian cuisine for thousands of retail outlets around the globe. The 40,000 sq. foot operation in Sharon Hill, PA is also where Gupta’s production facility is located. 

In order to build The ‘Wich Way sandwich bar, a new kitchen, and space for all the additional pantry products, Gupta had to lease an additional 400 square feet of the building, which formerly housed an antique jewelry store. The new location totals 1,200 sq. feet, which is triple the size of the original Narberth location. In addition, there is outside seating for a dozen diners in a shady garden, one of only a few public alfresco dining areas along Lancaster Avenue.

Pinwheel Provisions is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Wednesday and Sundays).

Pinwheel Provisions Opening New Store in Bryn Mawr

Top Reasons to Shop at Pinwheel Provisions in Narberth

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