Naples filmmaker premieres heartfelt documentary on local business, love story behind Food & Thought
Family members, friends and community supporters gathered at Food & Thought in Naples for the debut screening of “Rooted in Love: A Story of Addison’s Disease, Family and Resilience,” a heartfelt documentary created by Naples resident Michelle Joy Kramer, a board-certified health coach.
Hosted April 23 at Food & Thought – the longtime organic restaurant and market featured in the film – the outdoor screening brought the story full circle, with attendees watching the seven-minute documentary in the very place that inspired it. Members of the Oakes family, along with supporters from across the Southwest Florida community, were in attendance for the emotional evening.
The film highlights Food & Thought as a cornerstone of the local wellness community, while sharing the deeply personal story behind its founding — a love story between the late Frank Oakes and his wife, Wendy, who lives with Addison’s disease, the diagnosis that helped inspire the creation of Food & Thought itself. The documentary also serves as a tribute to Kramer’s late sister, who battled the same rare condition.
“We are finally doing the screening for ‘Rooted in Love,’ which started as a project a year ago,” said Kramer. “It turned into this beautiful film and a tribute to my sister, Meredith.”
Kramer, a Florida native who has called Naples home for more than 15 years, said the film was inspired by a chance conversation at Food & Thought that revealed a shared connection between her family and the Oakes family through Addison’s disease.
Addison’s disease is a rare chronic condition that affects the body’s ability to produce essential hormones, often requiring lifelong medication and management. Through the film, Kramer aims to raise awareness while honoring the resilience of those living with the disease and emphasizing the role of organic food in supporting overall well-being.
The screening served not only as a film debut, but also as a moment of connection and reflection for attendees to support the project and celebrate the families at the heart of the story.
“My mom was always the rock of our family, and this business was built on that foundation,” said Alfie Oakes, owner of Food & Thought 1 and 2. “It’s really special to be able to honor her tonight.”
Kramer described the project as both a creative outlet and a deeply personal journey through grief, as well as an opportunity to spotlight the healing power of food, family and community.
“This has been a way to work through my grief and create something meaningful,” she said. “It’s about love, friendship, organic food and family.”
Kramer also collaborated with national experts for this film, including Kalina Warren, executive director of the National Adrenal Diseases Foundation (NADF), to help ensure accurate representation of Addison’s disease and expand the impact beyond the local community. The film is expected to be shared more broadly in the future as Kramer continues to build awareness around the disease and the local story that inspired it.
Food & Thought continues to serve as a gathering place for the Naples community, offering all-organic cuisine and a mission rooted in health and sustainability. The brand has expanded locally with its sister concept, Food & Thought 2, which builds upon that foundation with an elevated dining experience alongside its curated organic market.
For more information, call 239-791-3663 or visit FoodAndThought2.com. To view the film or learn more about Addison’s disease, visit MichelleJoyKramer.com/documentary.
About Food & Thought 2
Food & Thought 2 is an all-organic restaurant and market concept in North Naples offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, a full-service bar, live music and events, catering services and a curated organic market with grab-and-go options. Inspired by the original Food & Thought location, a longtime Naples destination for organic living, Food & Thought 2 builds on that foundation with bold flavors and an elevated dining experience. The concept combines chef-driven cuisine with high-quality organic ingredients in a vibrant, welcoming setting. For more information, visit FoodandThought2.com.
