Minneapolis-based Crisp & Green begins its expansion into Florida this week with its first restaurant opening in Venice. The fast-casual restaurant concept with a menu of healthier, whole meals plans 30 locations statewide during the next two years, including locations in Naples and Estero.
In addition to today’s launch on U.S. 41 in Venice, Crisp & Green plans four other openings this summer in the Central and Southwest Florida communities of Sarasota, Tampa and Orlando with its second Florida location set to open June 18 at The Pointe at Founders Square in the Naples area. That new restaurant-centric retail hub on the southeast corner of Immokalee Road and Collier Boulevard recently welcomed Skillets, I Heart Mac & Cheese and Fuji Sushi Bar & Asian Bistro, while Outback Steakhouse, South Street City Oven & Grill and Tacos & Tequila Cantina also are coming soon.
An Estero location of Crisp & Green is under construction in Estero Crossings, the new mixed-use project by Naples-based Stock Development on Corkscrew Road just west of Interstate 75. Other restaurants and retailers planned there include Oak & Stone, Chicken Salad Chick, Orange Theory, Restore Cryotherapy and Sherwin-Williams.
Crisp & Green’s plant-based menu features grain bowls, salads and smoothies. The fast-growing chain is operated by Minnesota-based Steele Brands, established by CEO Steele Smiley in 2016.
“Floridians are seeking high-quality food with great flavor that is healthy and they can grab on the run,” Smiley said via a news release. “We are grateful to be able to meet customer demand with fresh menu items and become the fast and healthy option in Central and Southwest Florida this summer. We are ready to expand aggressively across the entire state of Florida during the next two years.”
With restaurants already open in Colorado, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Texas, the chain has nearly 200 stores built or in development across 19 states. Promoting a culture of “Living Crisp,” Crisp & Green is known for offering complimentary workouts, typically held on the restaurant’s patio or in its parking lot through partnerships with local fitness studios and certified trainers.
