Top Healthy Eating Franchises Under 50 Units

Americans need - and are asking for - more healthy-eating options.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Americans eat less than the recommended amount of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, dairy products and oils. Not only that, but reducing sodium intake by 1,200 milligrams per day could possibly save as much as $20 billion a year in medical costs.

Fortunately, these franchises offer healthy eating options and are looking to expand - and we’re not talking about waistlines here.

Here are 10 emerging healthy eating franchises that currently have less than 50 units.

Atlanta Bread

Unit count: 25+

Investment range: $629,700 - $806,300

Atlanta Bread opened its first location in 1993 in a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia and started franchising in 1995. In 2016, the brand rolled out a new menu and restaurant look. While the menu does not guarantee that items will be 100 percent gluten-free, the brand prides itself on using fresh ingredients and bakes breads and pastries fresh every day. They also post caloric and nutritional information on the menu. Atlanta Bread also offers catering services. Franchisee benefits include assistance with finding real estate and design and construction support, hands-on operational support and extensive training, as well as continuing educational programs.

Coolgreens*

Unit count: 7

Investment range: $296,732 - $482,600

This 1851 Franchise client’s offerings include build-your-own salads, wraps and flatbreads. Coolgreens is committed to providing “more than,” and offers flavorful menus that appeal to a variety of tastes and lifestyles. The brand is also insistent on appealing to both men and women, giving franchisees the opportunity to market the concept to everyone. The first location opened in 2009 in Oklahoma City. All of its current locations are in Oklahoma, but the chain has plans to open a Dallas/Fort Worth location and a San Antonio location. Coolgreens prides itself on being a franchisee-focused company.

Copper Branch

Unit count: 24

Investment range: $350,000 - $550,000

This Canadian chain offers 100 percent plant-based foods and is pursuing global expansion. Copper Branch’s menu items include power bowls, power smoothies, burgers, sandwiches and all-day breakfast options. Side dish options include poutine with cremini mushroom sauce and carrot keftedes with aioli sauce. Franchisees should be enthusiastic about managing people and working with the public. Franchisees will receive extensive training to ensure they can run every aspect of their location. The company is also looking for area developers. In terms of charitable efforts, Copper Branch’s partners include the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and Lymphoma Canada.  

Fresh Healthy Cafe

Unit count: 28

Investment range: $176,000 - $343,500

Fresh Healthy Cafe offers single franchising units, multi-unit franchises, master franchises and co-branding franchise opportunities. The chain’s values include serving products in 100 percent biodegradable packaging materials and using sustainable materials and resources to design its stores. Menu items include smoothies, paninis, soups and salads, plus seasonal items. Each smoothie gets a free energy boost and juices can include detoxifiers and cholesterol reducers, among other health benefits. The company also gets involved in communities. Benefits for franchisees include an extensive training program, marketing and promotion help and a strong operations support system. The brand also prides itself on its attention to detail and store design.

LifeFood Organic

Unit count: 2

Investment range: Not listed

This restaurant and store chain offers food, juices and tonics and elixirs. LifeFood Organic cares about preserving enzymes in food, so nothing is heated over 118 degrees and items are prepared fresh daily. Potential franchisees should be committed to providing healthy food to communities, have retail or restaurant experience and have a “general compatibility with the concept.” Operators should be active in their first store. Franchisees can choose from two types of operating models: the LifeFood Organic Full Cafe, which provides a full menu and plenty of seating, and the LifeJuice Organic Juice & Smoothie Kiosk, which is designed for smaller spaces, malls and airports.

Poke Burri

Unit count: 2

Investment range: $100,000 - $150,000

Atlanta-based chain Poke Burri currently has two locations, one in Atlanta and one in Raleigh, North Carolina. A third location is scheduled to open in Atlanta. The menu mainly offers poke bowls and burrito rolls, and catering options are available. The brand touts using fresh ingredients and offers several protein and vegetable options to allow customers to create their own bowls. The brand maintains an enthusiastic Instagram presence where it announced the launch of innovative ice cream sandwich desserts in September. Poke Burri is looking to franchise across the country and offers potential franchisees low start-up costs, high-profit margins and an award-winning menu.

PROTEINHOUSE

Unit count: 9

Investment range: Not listed

PROTEINHOUSE was started in 2012 and aims to give consumers with busy schedules an opportunity to eat healthily. The menu at this health-focused chain includes wellness shots, high-protein burgers, acai bowls and protein pancakes. Busy customers can opt for the Meal Prep option, which allows them to order several meals and pick them up. The brand touts its website as being high-traffic, and all franchise locations are featured on it. Other benefits for franchisees include an expert support hotline, ongoing vendor support and marketing assistance. The company does fundraising for Feeding America through its Push Ups with Purpose campaign.

Rush Bowls

Unit count: 9

Investment range: $282,000 - $499,000

This acai bowl-focused franchise got its start in Boulder, Colorado in 2004. Bowls only consist of all-natural ingredients, and popular menu items include the Yoga Bowl, the Oasis Bowl and the Chai’s mystique bowl. Rush Bowls also offers sweeter “comfort bowls” such as the peach cobbler bowl and the graham berry bowl. Consumers with dietary restrictions have vegetarian, vegan, wheat-free, soy-free options and more. Rush Bowls is especially attractive to consumers ages 18 to 28. Potential franchisees can enjoy simple operations, such as not having ovens or grills, and a location that is easy to set up and run.

SoBol*

Unit count: 26

Investment range: $174,800 - $249,500

This health-focused chain and 1851 Franchise client specializes in making acai bowls with fresh fruit and homemade granola. SoBol also makes smoothies. The brand’s more unique bowl ingredients include cookie butter, hemp seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds and kiwi. All products are gluten-free, dairy-free and organic. That said, two locations offer an expanded menu that includes items such as quesadillas and burrito bowls. Sobol first opened in 2012 and is expanding rapidly. It is currently in contract to open 40 more locations in the northeastern United States. Benefits for franchisees include simple operations and open communication with management. The chain’s largest customer base is in the 18 to 44 age range.

UFood Grill

Unit count: 16

Investment range: $415,500 - $598,500

UFood Grill’s menu includes vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, though eat, chicken and fish lovers will also find plenty of options. The brand likes to emphasize that nothing is ever fried. Potential franchisees must be able to build a strong team and have a desire to be part of their communities. Franchise fees are non-negotiable, however, the brand offers fee reduction incentives for multi-unit development. UFood employs a two-week training program for up to three people, plus one week of classroom training, and provides a general step-by-step guide on the franchising process.

*Brands marked with an asterisk are clients of 1851 Franchise or No Limit Agency*.