Scottsdale Organizations and Restaurants Earn Prestigious Blue Zones Project® Approval for Advancing Community Well-Being

Several key Scottsdale organizations and restaurants are taking impressive steps to enhance community well-being, say representatives from Blue Zones Project® Scottsdale. The organization says that The Cigna Group’s Raintree Campus, Hotel Valley Ho, Blue Zones Project Scottsdale, and VIP Mortgage have all earned the distinguished Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksite designation. Additionally, Scottsdale dining establishments ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho, all six D’Lite Healthy on the Go locations—the first multi-unit restaurant in Arizona to receive this honor—and Taza Bistro have achieved Blue Zones Project Approved™ Restaurant status.

Rooted in research from National Geographic Fellow and best-selling author Dan Buettner on the world’s longest-lived populations, Blue Zones Project is a community-led well-being initiative. It focuses on reshaping environments to address social determinants of health, making healthier choices more accessible and helping people live longer, healthier, and happier lives. Blue Zones Project, a collaborative effort with HonorHealth, was introduced to Scottsdale in March 2022, thanks to a partnership with HonorHealth, The Cigna Group, and Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona.

Employers play a crucial role in fostering well-being by encouraging employees to move more, eat better, and strengthen social connections. These organizations achieved Approved Worksite status by implementing initiatives that support employee wellness in these areas and beyond. Restaurants, which are integral to the community, build their reputations through consistent effort to attract and satisfy guests. These dining establishments earned Approved Restaurant status by adopting practices that promote healthier lifestyles.

Examples of their efforts include The Cigna Group at Raintree offering downshifting spaces, nutrition coaching, Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), preventative healthcare, biometric screenings, tobacco cessation, onsite fitness and yoga, and employee volunteer opportunities.

All six D’Lite Healthy on the Go locations offer a Blue Zones Seasonal promotion featuring a Humanitarian Wrap, iced tea, and a side. At ZuZu, their commitment to local sourcing supports sustainable agriculture while providing the freshest ingredients for a unique and delicious dining experience. The Blue Zones Project Scottsdale office enhances employee well-being with features like Zen booths for meditation, stand-up desks, and a treadmill.

“These businesses are leading the charge in Scottsdale by embracing the Blue Zones Project approach to well-being. Their dedication positions them to continue driving positive change within the community,” says Sarah Kearney, Executive Director of Blue Zones Project Scottsdale. “We celebrate their efforts and encourage other local organizations to follow their lead as we work together to transform the well-being of Scottsdale.”

Blue Zones Project promotes practical, sustainable changes that support healthier lifestyles. Building a culture of well-being leads to healthier, happier individuals, a more productive workforce, and a stronger economy.

Blue Zones Project is still partnering with organizations across Scottsdale and those interested in more information should contact the organization. Look for the Blue Zones Project Approved™ decal to find a participating worksite, restaurant, or school near you.