About Us
Healthy Fresh Meals Made Simple
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield opened Green Leaf Grill in 2013 as a way to lead the charge to healthier living. The restaurant aims to change the culture of dining out from within. Starting with our own company, we want people to know there’s a healthier way of eating. There are better options. We strive to provide smart, delicious choices for breakfast, lunch and throughout the day.
Our Chef Manager
Kareem Bell
Kareem’s culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen in Clarksdale, Mississippi, where he was immersed in soulful Southern flavors from an early age. From collard greens to fried catfish, every meal was rich with tradition, heritage, and intention. That foundation shaped his deep respect for food as both craft and storytelling.
Driven by a boundless curiosity, Kareem expanded his culinary perspective by exploring the subtle complexity of Asian cuisines. Inspired by aromatic curries, delicate miso, and vibrant chilies, he began blending these influences with his Southern roots. The result is a bold, vibrant style where Southern comfort meets the umami-driven precision of Asian cuisine.
Though his cooking is innovative, Kareem considers himself a “student of the craft”, first and foremost. His professional experience includes time at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion, where he collaborated closely with the executive chef to deliver refined, high-level dining experiences. Prior to that, he served as Sous Chef at Oaklawn Racing and Gaming, overseeing Silk’s Bar & Grill and The Jockey Club.
Now serving as Chef Manager at Green Leaf Grill, Kareem brings his signature fusion to every menu. His vision is to create an elevated yet approachable dining experience—pairing a simmering pot of soulful gumbo with the bright, quick heat of Thai chili. Through thoughtful execution and bold flavors, he aims to push boundaries and share his culinary journey with guests, one plate at a time.