JAX Chamber: Beloved Jacksonville Restaurant Undergoes Complete Transformation

Press release from the JAX Chamber:

November 17, 2021

Founded in 2017 by Wen Raiti, the House of Leaf & Bean was created to offer healthy food in a peaceful community space. Raiti sought to merge the science of health and dieting from western medicine with a holistic approach and Chinese traditional medicine to create balanced healthy meals that not only satisfied customers but also helped boost their bodies’ strength and resilience.

The aesthetic and food are inspired by the Hakka culture. Hakka, meaning, “guests,” references the Hakka people, a Chinese ethnicity and descendant of the early Chinese northern dynasties. A Hakka herself, Raiti wants her customers to take a “Journey to the East” as they dine on her family’s favorite dishes and creations inspired by Hakka hometowns around the world.

“I’m so excited to share with you the next step in the House of Leaf & Bean’s journey,” said Raiti. “The Hakka people’s story is one of journeys. I can’t wait for everyone to experience their own journey through our healthy, natural meals made with peace and love.”

To pay tribute to Raiti’s culture, many menu items are named after famous Hakka people. Each item is accompanied by a description of each person and their accomplishments. Guests can also purchase fan-favorite dishes from the House of Leaf & Bean, such as hand-made dumplings, fresh house-made tofu, organic loose-leaf premium teas, and more.

The new menu items will be helmed by Chef Marshall Ziehm, Corporate Chef at the House of Leaf & Bean. Ziehm has traveled the world from South Africa and Europe to Central America and Mexico studying alternative cultures and the cuisine of those cultures. With over 30 years of experience cooking in small cantinas, Michelin Star restaurants, and everything in between, he is one of the top chefs in his field.

“Hakka Kitchen is the next step in the House of Leaf & Bean journey,” said Raiti. “This is an evolution of the company I’ve built from the ground up. The goal remains the same: to provide healthy foods in a peaceful community space.”

The House of Leaf & Bean will remain as the parent company for Hakka Kitchen and any future endeavors. Hakka Kitchen’s hours of operation are 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday thru Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday.

About House of Leaf & Bean

Founded in 2017 by Wen Raiti, the House of Leaf & Bean’s goal was to combine the science of health and dieting from western medicine with a holistic approach and Chinese traditional medicine to create balanced and healthy meals. The House of Leaf & Bean will remain as the parent company for Hakka Kitchen and any future endeavors.

About Hakka Kitchen

Hakka Kitchen is a full-service restaurant under the House of Leaf & Bean brand. It offers plant-based countryside Chinese cuisine inspired by the Hakka ethnicity. The endeavor is to share the Hakka people’s story and culture while providing healthy foods in a peaceful community space. Visit lovehakkakitchen.com. 

Stacey Steiner 904-428-9298 stacey@prattify.com 

This press release was produced by the JAX Chamber. The views expressed here are the author’s own.