A.J. Cervantes, Jr., Smart For Life’s Executive Chairman’s Favorite New York City Restaurants

In the world of emerging growth public companies, A.J. Cervantes, Jr. has made a name for himself, most recently with the IPO of Smart for Life, a Nasdaq listed company that focuses on helping people maintain healthy lifestyles through nutrition and better-for-you alternatives to desserts and snacks. Cervantes, Jr. founded Smart For Life with the goal of creating a global, high growth and vertically integrated nutraceutical company offering a range of products and diet and health services for all.

Since 2017, he’s spearheaded mergers and acquisitions in the nutraceutical world to build on his company’s organic growth. Seeing that the health and wellness sector — particularly vitamins, supplements and nutritional foods — has particularly boomed during the Covid pandemic, diving in to this industry has paid off. With a company executing a ‘Buy and Build’ strategy, this current market of continually emerging health related companies is lucrative.

He’s executed four acquisitions in the last year alone. They include notable brands such as Greens First supplements, and the heavy hitter, Sports Illustrated Nutrition products. Inspired by his own commitment to health and wellness, he is continually developing new concepts and innovative product lines that cater to areas of growing consumer demand.

Smart For Life is now a vertically integrated, global holding company that has its hands in all stages of development — from marketing and manufacturing to acquisition, operation, and sale of a broad spectrum of nutritional and related products with an emphasis on the health and wellness world.

Adapting to and impacting the global food landscape has made him an industry up-and-comer. He divides his time between his residences in Manhattan and Miami, noting that nothing compares to the vast array of great Manhattan restaurants. From juicy steaks to fresh sushi, Cervantes, Jr. loves to conduct meetings at some of the Big Apple’s finest restaurants for meetings. 

When he’s in town, here are three of his favorite hotspots to book a table at.

Nobu Fifty Seven

One of his go-to spots in Manhattan is Nobu Fifty Seven in Midtown. This is an ideal place for a true power lunch, guaranteed to impress with its selection of upscale lunch options. Guests can choose from a variety of lunch combinations from lobster wasabi pepper or sea bass umami to tenderlion or salmon served with miso soup and rice. Also available are bento boxes like the signature box with toro tartare with caviar, sashimi salad, assorted sushi and more.

Nobu has a selection of hot dishes such as the popular rock shrimp tempura and the ribeye with yuzu honey truffle. Wrap up the meal with something sweet from their selection of desserts that include a refreshing monk fruit watermelon shaved ice or the caramel sobacha brownie.

Mr. Chow

Nearby is famous elevated Chinese restaurant, Mr. Chow. Cervantes, Jr. appreciates this menu full of authentic Beijing cuisine served in a hip dining setting. Executive Chef Sammy Shao Hua Deng is one of the most recognized chefs in the country. Popular dishes include velvet chicken; lobster with vermicelli; drunked fish; ma mignon; as well as, one of the best prepared Beijing ducks in the world.

Cipriani

Whether in New York City or at his offices in Miami, Cipriani is one restaurant establishment that this executive loves to conduct business. Cipriani, whether 5th Avenue or Brickell, is a consistent 10/10 for food, ambiance and service. From seafood entrees like grilled branzino or pan roasted halibut to hearty dishes like the veal milanese or filet mignon alla rossini, there’s something to satisfy everyone.

Loeb Boathouse

For those looking for a memorable meal in an iconic setting, Cervantes, Jr. recommends Loeb Boathouse in Central Park. Take in the fresh air during a late lunch business meeting. The lakeside restaurant has plenty to offer including the popular grilled Maine lobster salad with gem lettuce, heirloom tomato, pickled mango, avocado, hearts of palm, and kalamansi sauce.