Owner of Brooklyn health food chain charged with selling oxycodone
The owner of a popular chain of Brooklyn health food stores secretly sold an item not listed on the menu: oxycodone, prosecutors say.
Anastasios “Tasos” Verteouris, the founder of the Nature’s Grill Cafe, allegedly dealt the drugs from 2014 to 2018, according to a January indictment filed in Manhattan Federal Court. Verteouris’ arrest was first reported by The Brooklyn Paper on Monday.
Prosecutors revealed few details about the alleged drug conspiracy in court papers, which indicate other people were involved in the scheme.
Nature’s Grill has locations in Bay Ridge, Carroll Gardens and in Staten Island, according to its website.
Verteouris, a first-generation Greek-American, opened Nature’s Grill in 2001, according to its website. The cafes were inspired by his love of “fitness and healthy eating.”
“Today, with three locations in Brooklyn, Taso continues to embody his lifelong credo, if you want to live a healthy lifestyle, not only do you need to train well, you need to eat well!” the website reads.
Verteouris’ attorney did not respond to an email. He pleaded not guilty and was released on $100,000 bond.
