The kitchen doors swing open, revealing a spry Erin Akey pushing a cartful of prepared meals toward the coolers at the front. As she makes her way through the elongated cafe space, ‘round spacious seating, sprigs of flowers and signs inviting customers to make themselves at home, she passes a wall-sized mural: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” The verse, 1 Corinthians 10:31, is the inspiration behind Erin and husband Ben Akey’s (pictured above) titular business, 1031 Meals. “It’s personal for me,” Erin says of the restaurant’s mission. “As a former food addict, I know the struggles people face when it comes to eating healthy.”
Located on Museum Drive in Spring Hill, just moments from Municipal Park and the Mobile Tennis Center, 1031 Meals focuses on wholesome, nutritious food, all without scrimping on deliciousness.
“We want people to understand the importance of clean, fresh food,” says Erin, clad in a #eatrealfood T-shirt. “Food is our first form of medicine. We had a customer who, after eating several of our meals, came in and told us he was feeling better. He wanted to know what we were putting in the food. ‘Nothing,’ I said. And that’s the point.”
Everything on the menu is made in-house — from the sauces and spice mixes to the gluten-free bread and keto biscuits. With over 150 menu items, Erin, a certified nutritionist, and Ben, a culinary nutritionist, rotate items every three weeks. Some offerings are seasonal, like autumn’s winter squash, tomato bisque, shrimp Caesar salad and broccoli cheddar soup.
Erin puts the last of the salads on the shelf and glances toward the door. “How are you, stranger? How is your wife?” she asks without pause. More customers trickle in, each met with equal spunk and attention. During today’s lunch rush, the doors are a veritable turnstile with people picking up meals they have ordered online, perusing the coolers for take-and-heat options or taking a seat in the spacious dining area or on the patio for cafe dining.
“I truly believe that helping others become healthy is my calling,” Erin says. “If you don’t want to do the cooking, we will do it for you.” And they’ll even deliver it.
On the Menu
Blueberry Nut Salad
You won’t find iceberg in this — or any — salad. Crisp romaine lettuce is topped with tender chicken, fresh blueberries, pecans, cheddar cheese and tomatoes. Served with ranch or vinaigrette dressing.
Supreme Pizza
Mama, Mia! A thin, flaky keto crust is smothered in meats, spinach, bell peppers, onions, cheese and marinara sauce. Enjoy a personal-sized pie in the cafe or as a take-and-bake option.
Cilantro Lime Shrimp Bowl
A light and refreshing clean option, featuring perfectly cooked grilled shrimp, brown rice, broccoli, roasted tomatoes, fresh cilantro and a lime wedge.
Teriyaki Bowl
Chicken breast in homemade teriyaki sauce, sesame slaw, broccoli, roasted carrots, brown rice and pineapple topped with sesame seeds and drizzled with more teriyaki sauce. Keto option available.
1031 Meals • 744 Museum Drive. 1031meals.com
Grab & Go: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. M – F; 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sa; closed Su
Cafe: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. M – Sa; closed Su
