Dragon Greens Deli continues to supply the community with reptilian goods
Published 10:00 am Saturday, August 22, 2026
Opening in early 2024, Dragon Greens Deli has been providing the community with freshly sourced meals and supplies for all types of reptiles. Alyssa Palakiko and her fiancé, Eric Hymel, have owned and run the supply business since 2021, initially operating out of their home. In 2024, their business had grown enough to open its own storefront, allowing it to offer an even wider variety of goods for reptile owners.
The idea of starting the business came from Palakiko after years of struggling to find adequate nutrition and supplies for their reptiles. Because Hymel had been raising reptiles since his childhood, his knowledge of the hobby became a gateway to expanding their mutual interest into a business. If they couldn’t find safe feeds or breeders, they would take it upon themselves to do so.
Dragon Greens Deli is continually expanding its offerings to meet the needs of the community. With a wide range of supplies, a reptile enthusiast can find anything and everything that they need within the store. From heat lamps and specialized lighting to isopods and frozen rodents for larger reptiles, Palakiko ensures the store is always well stocked. They are not only catering to owners, but to the reptiles, with Palakiko stating, “We are catering to the reptiles and working with their owners to provide them with their best life possible. Be it the personally curated nutrients and meals or the educational classes we provide, we want these creatures to live out long and fulfilling lives.”
Along with the supplies for the animals, the store carries several beginner species for new owners. Among them are bearded dragons and various types of geckos. One of the geckos they offer is the Electric Blue Day Gecko, which is native to Tanzania. Though perhaps not the most beginner-friendly species, due to its specific care guidelines and environmental requirements, the vibrantly blue gecko is one of the many critically endangered species in the world. Dragon Greens Deli has been blessed to be one of the few licensed breeders for this endangered species. Naturally located in a small forest in Tanzania, the geckos average around three inches in length and sport an incredibly vivid blue along their backs with a bright orange to tan belly.
Along with the reptiles and supplies they sell, Palakiko works with multiple artisans in the community, providing them a space in the store to sell their reptile-themed goods. These can range from different types of jewelry to jewel-encrusted reptile bones. Palakiko works with these artisans to give them a chance to get their name out there, understanding that not everyone can afford to set up a store.
Palakiko also expressed to give credit to employee Bianca Grimm, and summer intern Julia Hymel.
