Near East Café:
Built by the
Community, for
the Community
Founded by a passionate team of local leaders, Near East Café is a social enterprise blending healthy food, economic empowerment, and wellness education.
We’re proud to be a Black-owned, woman-led business that centers equity and food justice at every level.
The Near East Cafe is a collaboration of Too Good Eats and Food Leads, both organizations invested in the health of the Columbus community. We are locally focused and community centered, providing nourishing, affordable, and convenient food options. Building a lifestyle that supports long-term health is a challenge that requires not only education and access; it also requires community. We strive to build a space that is a community hub where people feel valued and supported.
We see food as a powerful means for connection. The community center and the café are a space where neighbors can come together. We know people will enjoy meals with those already in their network, but we aim to encourage interactions with unknown neighbors through intentional events and programming that spur conversation that will build understanding, trust, and respect among neighbors.
Because we are so invested in nourishing our community, when you dine with us, at least 50% of our profits go to improving food access and nutrition in Central Ohio.
Feed Your Guests with Purpose
Delicious, wholesome food with a mission. Make your next event unforgettable—and impactful.
Meet the TEAM behind the Mission
Led by a collaborative team of entrepreneurs, chefs, and nonprofit changemakers, we’re here to serve—and to serve well.
Anique Russell is the co-founder and owner of Near East Cafe and the founder and CEO of Too Good Eats. She is also the wife of Ali Russell, who co-founded Too Good Eats and is the creative force behind its signature recipes.
Anique holds a degree from Central State University and an MBA from The Ohio State University. Her journey began with a deeply personal mission—to change the health legacy of her family after witnessing loved ones suffer from chronic health issues. That calling led her to launch Too Good Eats, a line of no-added-sugar artisan drink mixers and gourmet frozen snacks made with real, functional ingredients.
While the two businesses are separate, they share a common purpose: to nourish people and build community through food. Near East Cafe was born out of Anique’s desire to create a welcoming, intentional space rooted in wellness, culture, and connection—where people can gather, grow, and feel good.
Based in Columbus, Anique leads with heart, vision, and purpose. Through events, youth development programs, and mission-driven experiences, she is committed to creating spaces that help families live fun, balanced, and fulfilling lives.
Christina is the co-founder of the Near East Café and Executive Director of our nonprofit partner, Food Leads. Part food enthusiast, part community builder, she is 100% committed to making healthy, delicious food more accessible for everyone. With a passion for using food as a bridge to connect people and spark change, she co-founded the café as a vibrant space where every bite does good.
Christina holds a B.S. Human Nutrition and a B.A. International Studies from The Ohio State University. With over 10 years of experience, Christina has been implementing nutrition and community health programs since high school. She has created a healthy snacking program for children, led a food co-operative on Ohio State’s campus, and is currently building Food Leads, a nonprofit dedicated to eliminating the racial and socioeconomic health disparities experienced in diet-related chronic diseases.
When she's not dreaming up new ways to serve the neighborhood or crafting nourishing menus, you’ll find her building partnerships that uplift local growers, energize communities, and make health equity more than just a buzzword. Come say hi—she’ll probably try to feed you.