Minnesota-based Crisp and Green expanding

Crisp and Green, a Minnesota-based fast casual concept, is opening two locations as majority owner and CEO Steele Smiley builds upon plans to expand nationally via corporate and franchise operations, according to a company press release. Construction of the restaurants at Fiftieth and France in Edina and in Dinkytown at the University of Minnesota is underway, and both will open this summer.  

The wellness-driven food company launched its first two locations in Wayzata and the North Loop in the past 18 months, with both experiencing consistent increases in traffic volume since opening. Today's announcement follows the company's news from March that it will also open a franchise program to expand the brand nationally.

"As the demand for healthier, convenient meal choices continues to grow, we look forward to bringing our concept to many more Twin Cities communities, and ultimately across the nation," said Smiley, who has been involved since the company's inception and became the CEO last year. "We are passionate about creating welcoming environments for guests to gather, experience a fitness class, or grab a nourishing meal on-the-go."