LYFE Kitchen, the health-focused concept from former McDonald’s president and chief operating officer Mike Roberts, opens Oct. 12 in Palo Alto, Calif., with all dishes under 600 calories.
Roberts envisions LYFE — an acronym for “love your food every day” — as the first in a potentially national chain that will offer healthful food in a fast-casual setting.
He has partnered with investment banker Stephen Sidwell, chief executive of Devante Capital and an early investor in Gardein Protein International, a plant-based protein manufacturer based in Canada.
Art Smith, formerly Oprah Winfrey’s personal chef, and Tal Ronnen, executive chef at Gardein, developed LYFE’s menu. Both are known for promoting healthful eating.
The concept is among a growing number of restaurant brands aiming for more health-conscious diners, including Seasons 52, owned by Orlando, Fla.-based Darden Restaurants Inc., and True Food Kitchen, from Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Fox Restaurant Concepts.
EARLIER: Former McD exec readies launch of LYFE Kitchen
LYFE’s menu includes a mix of familiar dishes and vegan and vegetarian options. Symbols on the menu designate vegan, vegetarian or gluten-free items, and dishes are customizable to fit dietary preferences. Even the ketchup is housemade, to reduce its sugar content.
