Many of us in the foodservice industry remember when only a few national chains featured nutritional menus. Consumers wanted convenience and consistency. They still do.
The success of healthy fast food chains in the United States depends on keeping customers happy. That goal never changes even as consumers want more from their favorite franchises. They’re developing an appetite for a wide variety of healthy options.
From smart menu development to consumer-friendly strategies, the fastest growing healthy fast food chains are the ones that turn trends into customer preferences. They establish their brands as go-to spots for world-class salads, deliciously nutritious sides, plant-based menus and more.
8 Ways Healthy Fast Food Restaurant Chains Keep Customers Coming Back
Whether you own or manage a franchise, you know what it takes to maintain consumer loyalty. Customers expect great service and satisfying meals in a comfortable atmosphere. All successful chains operate on this business model, but a growing number are stretching outside the classic to-go box.
Each of these nationally branded restaurants does it a little differently. They all get it right by offering healthy choices.
1. Veggie Grill Cooks Beyond Burgers
The VG Beyond Burger earns its billing on this chain’s menu by satisfying consumer appetites for burgers without meat on the bun. The veggie burger is a big hit for the successful California franchise that makes its name with fresh alternatives to traditional protein dishes.
2. Salad And Go Serves At The Window
The idea of world-class salads available at a drive-through window is proving to be very profitable for the aptly named Salad and Go franchise. It’s one of the newest industry entries, and it’s also one of the country’s fastest growing healthy fast food chains.
3. Eatsa Automates Healthy Fast Food
When there’s an app for that, healthy food doesn’t get much faster. When the selections cover everything from breakfast bowls to dinner salads, consumers on the go can order anytime from anywhere. Eatsa tastefully streamlines it all with order pick-up from inside the chain’s automated cubicles.
4. Local Keeps It All Local
One of California’s newest healthy fast food restaurant chains brands its mission with its name. LocoL is committed to serving customers with locally sourced, healthy alternatives to traditional fast food fare, and it pledges to do so without pinching consumer wallets. The successful concept is quickly expanding across Los Angeles and Oakland.
5. Lyfe Kitchen Caters With Comfort Food
Fast casual meets healthy lifestyle at this eatery, and it all comes with an impressive pedigree. Backed by a former personal chef to the stars including Oprah, Lyfe Kitchen puts real nutrition in comfort food. Chef Art Smith’s national chain offers dine-in, take-out, catering and even weekend brunch.
6. Chipotle Calculates Nutrition Online
Technology and healthy menus come together with Chipotle’s user-friendly online calculator. Health-conscious consumers can design a dish, size up calorie, fat and fiber numbers and edit at will. It’s clever, convenient and designed with maximum customer appeal. Parents especially enjoy kid-meal selections and nutritional info.
7. Panera Bread Serves House-Made Goodness
When customers can choose fruits over chips, they know they’re going to enjoy a healthy meal. When their options include fresh soups prepared daily and sandwiches cradled in housemade bread, they fill their plates with the nutritional fare on Panera’s menus. The chain’s commitment to responsibly raised food is a big plus.
8. Freshii Stays True To Its Roots
Before plant-based dining appeared on the fast food landscape, Freshii was the place to enjoy Brussels sprouts, kale and quinoa. More than a dozen years since its origins, the New York franchise still holds true to its nutritious, affordable roots. It’s quickly growing to become one of the trendiest healthy fast food chains in the United States.
Some Things Never Change
Consumers will always want their fried favorites and comfort-food desserts to go. Still, they show their appreciation for healthy fast food with their wallets. It’s an industry shift that clearly tracks customer preferences for choices that include nutritious, guilt-free options.
We’re proud to supply this new wave of demand and give you options too. As one of California’s leading growers and shippers, we offer a full selection of premium products for all types of foodservice operations. Hitchcock Farms is your source for the finest available produce year-round, and that’s something that never changes.
