Serving Happiness

A colorful approach to healthy eating

Words by Sam Lauron  Photos by Shelby Bella

At Nancy’s Sky Garden, freshness abounds through vivid plates of food, refreshing greenery throughout the restaurant, and the bright demeanor of Nancy herself. Should one be lucky enough to run into her, a meal at Nancy’s promises a healthy serving of joy.

For Nancy Lee, owner of Nancy’s Sky Garden, serving nutritious food was just one of her goals when she decided to open a restaurant of her own. Her mission was to create the experience she always sought when visiting restaurants. Lee recalls always feeling guilty about taking her children out to eat because she felt as if many restaurants weren’t serving healthy food. She also, like most, disliked waiting around for her meal when she would arrive somewhere hungry. Dissatisfied with the overall restaurant experience but also not fond of cooking, Lee remembers thinking, “I’m going to open a restaurant for the people like me.” 

After her husband retired from his 20-year career in diplomacy, her family immigrated to the U.S. from Korea. Once here, the Lees decided to open their first restaurant in 2005, Koriente, in downtown Austin. Lee was set on making sure the restaurant was three things: healthy, fast, and affordable. Koriente saw much success from its healthy Korean-fusion menu, and the Lees decided to bring the concept to Georgetown where they opened the first location of Nancy’s Sky Garden.

At Nancy’s Sky Garden, which now has four locations, patrons can expect to find colorful plates of food because “vivid colors are more nutritious,” Lee insists. The menu consists of customizable bowls that offer a rainbow of fruits and vegetables, proteins like almond ginger chicken salad and various fish options, plus four different carb options: purple rice, sweet potato noodles, baked sweet potato, or a super grain mix. What is not on the menu is dairy and MSG. Lee’s focus on providing healthy options also means that everything on the menu is low in oil, sugar, or salt. “Every customer has a different need so we are trying to give them options for healthier choices,” she says. 

For Lee, receiving positive feedback on the many diets the restaurant accommodates is “the best part about running a restaurant.” But there’s another passion that she has fostered over the years, and that’s her love of gardening. At her first restaurant, Koriente, Lee planted a small garden around the space which she later learned was something the customers thoroughly enjoyed. Now, with each restaurant she opens, Lee brings the space to life with fresh flowers and succulents.

Through her approach to providing nutritious food in a welcoming environment, Lee has cultivated the restaurant experience she always desired. “I say to my employees—we are not serving food,” she smiles, “I like to serve happiness.” 

Did You Know?
Nancy’s daughter named the restaurant after its unique location in Georgetown, which is located on the fourth floor of its building and features a rooftop garden where guests can enjoy their meal. 

Contact:
East Location:
6448 Hwy 290 E, A-100
nancysskygarden.com

Georgetown Location:
501 S Austin Ave., 4th Floor 

Round Rock Location:
1105 S Mays St. #300

Cedar Park Location:
10900 Lakeline Mall Dr.