Our Story
Rooted in Reno, United by Good Food and Community.
The People Behind Great Full Gardens
A Shared Vision for Food, Wellness, and Community
Great Full Gardens was founded in 2013 by husband-and-wife team Gino and Juli Scala, bringing together their passion for wholesome food, wellness, and meaningful connection. Gino’s experience in menu development and ingredient sourcing, paired with Juli’s background in life coaching and wellness, helped shape a restaurant built around nourishing food and welcoming everyone to the table.
That same year, Cyndi Wallis joined as a co-owner, bringing 12 years of service before stepping away to care for her parents and pursue a lifelong dream. Dr. Sean Devlin and Dr. Ann Barnet also joined as investor-owners and continue to serve on the Board of Directors.
Today, Great Full Gardens continues to grow with a dedicated team committed to serving quality food, supporting the community, and creating spaces where people can connect.
From a Local Café to a Community Favorite
Growing One Great Full Meal at a Time
Great Full Gardens opened in Midtown Reno in March 2013, serving wholesome breakfast, lunch, and dinner with options for different tastes and lifestyles. In 2014, we expanded to Great Full Gardens Express at the University of Nevada, Reno, bringing our made-from-scratch meals to students and faculty.
In 2016, we opened The Kitchen on Longley Lane as the home of GinoTheSoupMan and a hub for preparing our organic soups, dressings, sauces, and other made-from-scratch favorites. It later expanded to support public dining and our growing catering operations.
Today, our locations across Reno and Sparks continue to bring people together through wholesome food, community, and great company.
Warm Your Soul With GinoTheSoupMan
Wholesome Goodness, Made From Scratch
In 2016, The Kitchen by Great Full Gardens opened in Southeast Reno as the home of GinoTheSoupMan. It became the place where our team made organic soups, dressings, sauces, fermented foods, baked goods, and raw desserts from scratch. By 2018, The Kitchen had expanded into a public organic soup and salad bar and a dedicated catering hub.
GinoTheSoupMan grew from that same commitment to wholesome food, offering soups made with premium plant-based ingredients that are non-GMO, often organic, vegan, and mostly gluten-free. Today, you can find GinoTheSoupMan products at select grocery retailers, Great Full Gardens locations, and through nationwide delivery.
From our kitchens in Reno to homes across the country, GinoTheSoupMan carries forward our belief that good food should nourish people and bring them together.
Serving More Than Meals
Our mission goes beyond food. From supporting local initiatives and school greenhouse programs to creating meaningful jobs, we’re committed to making a positive impact in the communities we serve.
