Coolgreens Recognizes Unique Opportunity for Growth in Kansas City

Kansas City is a BBQ town, arguably the best in the country.  But sometimes even for the biggest barbecue fans in the country, having options is ideal. Coolgreens, an Oklahoma City-based healthy concept, with a menu featuring almost all items under 600 calories, is eyeing Kansas City as its next market for development.

Coolgreens was founded in Oklahoma City and has since opened six locations, with the seventh opening in September in the Will Rodgers World Airport. The brand has seen incredible success in the ‘meat and potatoes’ market, offering an alternative option for on-the-go locals who are looking for a lighter and fresher taste. Now, with a well-tested menu and proven business model in place, the brand eyeing the perfect franchise partner to grow the brand into Kansas City.

“Kansas City is a Midwest market we’re familiar with. In many ways, it’s just a larger version of Oklahoma City,” said Coolgreens’ Vice President of Franchise Development Clay Carson. “They have the Midwest mentality, but there are not as many healthy options as there probably should be.”

Over the years, Kansas City has become one of the more popular cities for millennial growth. Trends are showing that instead of moving to larger metropolitan areas, post-college students throughout the Midwest are setting roots in Kansas City instead. By targeting hot areas like Westport, The Plaza and Crossroads, the brand will look for specific areas of the city filled with locals who desire both healthier alternatives and a menu that is friendly to all diets.

“They’ve had a renaissance in the last ten years. Whenever you have that group of younger people, almost by default you have a culinary scene that comes together. It is a lot younger than other Midwest cities,” said Carson. “We have noticed the growth of technology businesses that are bringing more people to the city, and the food scene is very solid and getting even better.”

Beyond just the local appeal, Coolgreens recognizes another similarity between Kansas City and its hometown market of Oklahoma City. With a thriving location on the Oklahoma University campus, there are additional opportunities for growth outside of Kansas City, with Kansas University just 40 miles away.

With a menu that features flatbreads and wraps to quinoa bowls and sandwiches, the Coolgreens’ offering appeals to a wide variety of diners. While the healthy segment was typically reserved for lunch-time, Coolgreens incentivized different options toward the dinner segment and now boasts a 35% dinner daypart representation.

“We operate differently from our competitors because we think differently,” said Coolgreens CEO Robert Lee. “Our mission is to fuel healthy communities with fresh and natural food. Because of this, our menu highlights both year-round and seasonal flavors in a unique way. The innovative food combinations we’ve created remain the backbone of our business, and we’re so excited to bring them to new markets like Kansas City.”

With an initial investment ranging from $289,232-$475,100, Coolgreens is targeting entrepreneurial-minded sophisticated restaurant operators to expand the brand into Kansas City, with an eye on rapid, multi-unit development.