CRISP & GREEN®, a fast-growing healthy fast causal brand from restaurant group STEELE BRANDS®, is now proudly serving its convenient and nutritious salads, grain bowls and more in Illinois. The Vernon Hills opening marks the eleventh state for the growing brand, with seven additional restaurants slated to open in the greater Chicago area. The multi-unit Illinois expansion is part of a development agreement with area residents Clark and Gina Koertner of CGIA Operations LLC. The first-time franchisees bring tremendous food-industry passion and experience to the endeavor, coupled with deep local-market expertise in greater Chicago.
Currently in the most significant expansion phase in brand history, CRISP & GREEN is on pace to reach 65 locations open across 20 states before year’s end and has 37 locations currently open across the country.
“As we barrel toward our 50-unit milestone and the doubling of our location count in a single calendar year, we are being buoyed by immensely talented and driven franchisees like the Koertners, who see the tremendous opportunity our brand presents and recognize the massive demand for accessible, healthy food,” said Steele Smiley, founder and Executive Chairman of STEELE BRANDS. “With the unwavering support of a top-notch corporate team, our franchise partners are building CRISP & GREEN brand momentum across the country, and we are especially pleased to add Illinois – another proud Midwestern state – to our growing national footprint.”
Since its founding in 2016, CRISP & GREEN has carved out a unique space in the healthy fast casual sector. The brand continues to cement its reputation and marketplace position as a provider of convenient and nourishing bowls, salads, smoothies and more that are handcrafted with sustainable, consciously sourced ingredients. As more Americans focus on healthy eating, prospective franchisees like the Koertners are continuing to embrace the entrepreneurial opportunity in partnership with CRISP & GREEN.
“We’re overflowing with excitement that our Vernon Hills restaurant is officially open, which not only signifies the start of our franchise journey, but also a deeply meaningful community-building endeavor in an area that’s so important to Clark and me,” said Gina Koertner. “Expanding health and fitness options in Vernon Hills has been extremely rewarding, and we can’t wait to watch as CRISP & GREEN becomes a staple eatery for fellow residents and health aficionados who share our passion for a health-inspired lifestyle.”
On a mission to provide food that fuels, CRISP & GREEN is committed to changing the wellness and wellbeing of customers by delivering an exceptional experience from the moment they walk in the door. More than just great food, the fast casual restaurant places special emphasis on its Commitment to Community by partnering with local fitness experts to provide complimentary classes to their guests. Vernon Hills-area fitness studios and ambassadors interested in partnering with the brand are encouraged to contact [email protected].
CRISP & GREEN’s Vernon Hills restaurant is located at 899 N Milwaukee Ave #300 in the Mellody Farm shopping center. For more information on the brand, visit www.crispandgreen.com and follow @crispandgreen on Instagram and Facebook.
About CRISP & GREEN
CRISP & GREEN was founded in 2016 by CEO Steele Smiley on the belief that nourishing a healthy lifestyle goes beyond the kitchen. The fast casual destination blends healthy and nutritious foods, community engagement and complimentary fitness to create the “Living Crisp” movement. The brand’s goal is to create an approachable environment for all through its exceptional product and world-class hospitality. CRISP & GREEN is experiencing rapid national growth and functions as a rare example of positive growth, expansion and evolution in the current restaurant landscape. For more information, visit www.crispandgreen.com.
About STEELE BRANDS
STEELE BRANDS is the brand development company created by Steele Smiley. The company has a decade of proven success developing disruptive challenger brands that make it easier for people to live healthy lifestyles. The company is focused on partnering with experienced franchise owners to bring healthy lifestyle brands to national scale with a local touch. STEELE BRANDS portfolio includes some of the fastest growing franchises in America including three fast-casual restaurant brands: CRISP & GREEN, STALK & SPADE and PURALIMA. The company has more than 170 restaurants built and in development across all three brands and growing as of July 10, 2023. For more information, visit www.steelebrands.com.
