“Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family:
Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.”
~ Jane Howard

Tribal Elders

Co-proprietors Julie Norris and Chris Blanc are proud “mom & pop” to a tribe of righteous comrades and are passionate advocates for the holistic & cultural communities of Central Florida. Together, they sustain the cafe with lots of hard work, humor, love and a commitment to simple living. Read on for their bios…

Chris Blanc

Co-Proprietor, Primary Investor & Business Guidance

Chris helped incubate the Dandelion concept and saw it’s potential early on. He became primary investor and has spent countless hours in decision making and advising business activities at the cafe as well as working the floor & was instrumental in pre-opening construction.

His day job occupies most of his time though. He is the Operations Manager of the Enzian Theater, overseeing all aspects of operations of this indie theater which boasts an upscale high-volume dining experience and the Eden Bar while continuously planning and hosting multiple events from corporate parties to multiple film festivals, including the top-ranked Florida Film Festival.

Not surprisingly, he loves independent film, delicious food, and putting his considerable business talent to use creating a more enjoyable and conscious community for all of us to live in.

Julie Norris

Co-Proprietor & General Manager

Julie is the visionary behind Dandelion and created its’ concept, wrote the original business plan and is responsible for all aspects of the cafe including operations, marketing, bookkeeping, business development and human resources.

She wants to make the world a better place by being the change she wishes to see. She loves live music, delicious food and watching the world transform into a more peaceful and harmonious place to be. Some of her side projects are listed below.

• Progressive Local Alliance for Community Enrichment (PLACE), Co-Founder & Co-Creator
• Front Porch Radio, Founder & On-Air Host
• Gaia Mama, Blogger known as “Mama J”
• Velocity Magazine, Community Editor
• Slow Food Orlando, Board Member
• Central Florida Birth Network,  Member

Our Tribe

We couldn’t create community or build a businesses without the hardwork, dedication and expertise of the many people who have helped shape Dandelion into what it is.

We recognize and support the dreams and ambitions of each of the people in our tribe, knowing that Dandelion is just but a step in a life-long journey for most. Most of our staff is comprised of artists, musicians, activists and food lovers – all with varied interests but a common commitment to making the world a better place by being the change they wish to see.

Some of our early tribe have already moved on to follow their dreams, including Amber & Henry Melendy who now own Shine On Yoga & MyYardFarm.com, Sandra Diaz who has run off to Save the Mountains, Suzi Brown who works at the Laughing Seed in Asheville & has her own line of artisan products, and Daniel Benheim who now works at PURE in NYC.

Our current tribe are the future stars in their field as well, and we look forward to working with them until their passion takes them on their way. Meet some of the talent that makes your food, brews your tea and gives you bear hugs when you are having a bad day.