Crisp & Green delivering more than healthful food to employees, customers

Health-conscious fast casual concepts are popping up around the world, which means they have to offer something unique in order to stand out from one another. One Minnesota-based franchise's idea was to host yoga on a frozen lake.

"Only in Minnesota would we do something like this,"  Lily Smith, marketing director of Crisp & Green, a 14-unit chain that hosted "Snowga" Feb. 9. It's exactly what it sounds like — a yoga class on the lake. 

"While serving good food is an important part of the C&G equation, what really makes us special is our commitment to wellness," Smith said about the chain founded in November of 2016, in Wayzata, Minnesota. "We develop and host regular fitness and wellness events within our actual locations and off-site with like-minded brands and organizations multiple times a week."

CEO and Founder Steele Smiley is seeking franchisees to grow the brand outside its home state of Minnesota.

And the wellness benefits aren't only for customers. In an effort to help keep employees positive and grounded during line-out-the-door lunch rushes, the chain provides yoga and meditation to employees at restaurants prior to their shifts.

"We also educate and provide resources for fitness and self-care," CEO and Founder Steele Smiley said in an interview with FastCasual. "We seek out and empower employees with similar mindsets to lead initiatives and events within our spaces."

Time to franchise

After two years in business, Crisp & Green launched a franchising initiative this year, partnering with Minnesotan and former NBA player Kris Humphries. He opened the chain's first franchise in December and has committed to open five more by 2020.

"Now more than ever, Americans are actively seeking options to benefit their health, and finding quick choices that align with their goals can be a challenge," said Smiley, who is looking to partner with franchisees outside of Minnesota after announcing that the chain has sold out the state by signing a multi-unit development deal with second-generation franchise operator, Blake Graves .

"We created Crisp & Green because we believe that access to clean, scratch-made and convenient food can be the greatest mover in someone's health and wellness journey. That's why we're here, and that's why we decided to launch a franchise program," said Smiley, who will only consider franchisees looking to fully embraces the Crisp & Green philosophy. 

"By owning a C&G, you are not only providing a space for people to come together and enjoy a nourishing meal you are also joining a national mission to create healthier and more sustainable eating habits to fuel our society," he said.

Other qualifications include an interest in multi-unit ownership and financial strength. 

"The opportunity to bring this concept all over the country has the potential to change the world and the way we relate to food for the better," Smiley said. "Ultimately, our franchisees will enable us to carry out our mission of providing healthy food & accessible wellness resources to as many communities as possible."

Smith agreed, saying that the chain's employees pride themselves on providing guests with an incredible menu featuring seasonal produce, global flavors and innovative combinations.

"Our selection of ingredients is significant — over 3 times what is typically offered in our space. This variety has made C&G a go-to option for people of all ages and at all stages of their healthy journey,"  she said.