Casual-dining brand Crisp & Green signs big development deal

Crisp & Green has signed the largest multi-unit deal in its history.

The Minnesota-based fast-casual brand, which is focused on made-from-scratch healthy food, has entered into a 40-unit development deal with franchise partner Rory Kelly of Salads & Smoothies. With the new agreement, Crisp & Green has more than 250 locations across 25 states in its development pipeline.

The new agreement comes at a time when the brand, which currently operates 29 locations in eight states, is embarking on its busiest year yet, with a goal of 50 locations slated to open across 15 additional states by the end of 2023.

The development deal with Salads & Smoothies includes several territories throughout the brand’s home state, as well as launches into new MSA’s including Phoenix, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and more. It adds to Salad & Smoothies’ existing 11-unit agreement with Crisp & Green. The group is currently operating two locations in Minnesota, with a third on track to open this spring in Mankato.

“Having previous experience with several brands in these key markets, I am confident Crisp & Green will meet a demand that is currently not being satisfied,” said CEO Kelly C. Baltes. “Pairing this with the growing amount of people who are embracing a wellness-driven lifestyle puts us in a great position to reach our ultimate goal to be the #1 healthy fast-casual on the planet.”

Baltes took the reins as chief executive of Crisp & Green in November. Prior to that, he served as president at Maggiano’s Little Italy. Before Maggiano’s, he was the CEO at Good Smoke Restaurant Group.

Crisp & Green was founded in 2016 Steele Smiley on the belief that nourishing a healthy lifestyle goes beyond the kitchen. The brand blends healthy and nutritious foods with community engagement and complimentary fitness.

“In 2016, I had the simple idea that people shouldn’t have to choose between a quick meal and a healthy one,” said Steele Smiley, founder and executive chairman of Crisp & Green parent company Steele Brands. “To see it grow from just a dream into what it is today is a testament to our team, our loyal guests, and our franchisees. Partnering with individuals like Rory who believe in this founding philosophy and align with our vision to bring health and wellness to communities across the country is essential to our success.”

The Steele Brands portfolio includes Crisp & Green, Stalk & Spade, and Paco & Line