#USA #Minneapolis #CRISP & GREEN #Steele Smiley #corporate-owned

CRISP & GREEN Transitions to a Corporate-Owned Model

CRISP & GREEN®, a growing name in the fast-casual dining scene, has officially announced a strategic move away from its original franchise model. This decision, aimed at establishing greater brand consistency and operational control, comes with the reinstatement of founder Steele Smiley as Chief Executive Officer. Smiley rejoined the company in late 2024 and has since partnered with CRISP & GREEN's leadership team to implement a series of strategic acquisitions, shifting the business to majority corporate ownership.

A Strategic Shift in Business Operations

The transition to a predominantly corporate structure is a significant milestone for CRISP & GREEN, which boasts nearly 50 locations across the United States. To achieve this, the company began acquiring existing franchise groups and locations throughout the country. As of today, corporate ownership accounts for roughly 50% of all CRISP & GREEN locations, with plans for further acquisitions underway.

Smiley expressed his excitement about leading this transformation, emphasizing that it reflects the company's commitment to its core values that prioritize quality food and exceptional hospitality experiences. He stated, "As we transition to a new model, we are redefining and repledging our commitment to the core values that have guided us since our founding. Our focus is on delivering outstanding food, providing elevated hospitality experiences, and supporting the wellness of our communities."

New Franchise Partnerships

Even as CRISP & GREEN shifts towards being a corporate-owned brand, opportunities remain for enterprise-level operators to join as franchise partners. Recently, two new franchise groups, each with extensive multi-unit and multi-brand experience, have joined CRISP & GREEN. Notably, the OM group, led by Kalpesh Patel and based near Chicago, operates several other successful chains and is set to develop multiple new CRISP & GREEN locations. Similarly, M3 Holdings, led by Alex Mortenson, brings valuable experience from both restaurant and wellness sectors, including the Planet Fitness brand.

With these partnerships, CRISP & GREEN has committed to establishing 37 new locations over the coming years. This ambitious expansion is a critical step towards meeting the company's target of reaching 100 locations in the near future.

Background on CRISP & GREEN

Founded in 2016, CRISP & GREEN believes that wellness is essential in enhancing various aspects of life, making it not just a dining option but a holistic lifestyle approach. Steele Smiley's vision was straightforward: to ensure people no longer had to compromise between quick service and healthy meals. Each restaurant offers a delicious array of scratch-made options, including salads, grain bowls, smoothies, and more. Beyond nourishing meals, CRISP & GREEN supports local communities by hosting complimentary fitness classes.

Today, with almost 50 locations and a renewed focus on corporate ownership, CRISP & GREEN continues to thrive as a privately held company. The founding team remains actively involved in steering the company's vision and ensuring success through adherence to the principles established at the brand's inception.

For more information about their offerings and their philosophy on wellness, visit CRISP & GREEN's official website. This strategic shift not only signifies a new chapter for CRISP & GREEN but also reflects a growing trend in the fast-casual dining industry towards enhanced operational control and brand consistency.