Why the Goris Family loves Epperson
It’s no secret that 813 Fresh has the best Acai bowls in Epperson, but what Epperson residents may not realize is that Steven and Victoria Goris are their neighbors, too.
Steven and Victoria, who run 813 Fresh as a side hustle, moved from New York to Florida with their four kids in 2020. The Goris family moved to Wesley Chapel sight unseen with no local friends or family nearby but quickly found their forever home at MetroPlaces community Epperson, “We don’t have family down here,” Victoria said, “but that’s what Epperson is – it’s one big family.”
Steven had always wanted to open a food truck, and their new neighborhood was a great place to launch it. It all started in their kitchen, sharing cuisine creations with their neighbors. The truck quickly became a hit its first time at the Epperson dog park, where a different dinner and dessert food truck is parked daily.
Now the truck also makes regular appearances at the Epperson Lagoon and Boyette Family Farms in Wesley Chapel. From their acai bowls to their top-shelf avocado toast, what sets them apart is what’s on top of their dishes – fresh local fruit sourced through Boyette Family Farms.
While Victoria heads up the marketing for 813 Fresh and is known as “that acai girl” to her neighbors, Steven, formerly a Veterans Service Officer, works full time managing the truck and the kitchen. Their passion for their community doesn’t end at 5 o’clock, though; after hours, Steven is a resource for a number of their neighbors who are military veterans.
Steven helps neighbors through their claims process if their claims for benefits have been denied. With so many active duty and retired service members in the community – Steven estimates there are nearly 100 military households in Epperson – he is hoping to create a veterans group.
The family has found that Epperson is an easy place to make new friends and meet neighbors. With community events like karaoke and comedy night or Latin Night, the Goris’ favorite tied to their Dominican and Puerto Rican backgrounds, there’s always something to do for the whole family.
Steven sums it up this way, saying: “We couldn’t have picked a better place to live.”