Healthy fast-casual chain to grow in Chicago, Milwaukee
Crisp & Green is planning to expand its footprint in the Midwest.
The Minnesota-based fast-casual chain will open 11 new restaurant locations across the Chicago and Milwaukee metro areas beginning next year. These new locations, which are slated to break ground in the fall, will include the Milwaukee suburbs of Waukesha and New Berlin as well as the Chicago suburbs of Wheaton and Bolingbrook.
Founded in 2016, Crisp & Green is known for its bowls, salads, smoothies and more that are made with sustainable, “consciously sourced” ingredients. The brand places special emphasis on its "commitment to community'' by partnering with local suppliers.
The new Midwest locations add to the existing 200 Crisp & Green locations already under development. Last year, the chain opened its first location in Manhattan, making New York its tenth state of operation, while the company’s real estate team identified more than 1,700 additional territories that fit the brand’s specific site criteria.
"I started Crisp & Green because I wanted to make healthy living more delicious, more convenient, and honestly just more fun," said Steele Smiley, founder and owner of Steele Brands, Crisp & Green’s parent company. "Our guests have made it loud and clear that's what they want too, so being able to further expand into the Chicagoland area is just an absolute dream come true for me."
The soon-to-open Wisconsin and Illinois locations will be operated by franchise partner Vishal Vaghani of VN Development, LLC, who has more than 20 years of franchise experience.
“Vishal's extensive experience in the franchise and restaurant industry, coupled with his commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences, aligns perfectly with our mission to make healthy eating accessible and enjoyable to communities across the country,” added Smiley.
Steele Brands has more than 200 restaurants built and in development between Crisp & Green and another fast-casual chain, Puralima, in 15 states and growing as of Jan. 1, 2024.