Protein Bar & Kitchen, a Chicago-based chain specializing in nutritious, protein-rich meals, is opening in Crown Point.
A fast-casual restaurant focusing on healthier, protein-rich dishes has signed its first franchise agreement, with the franchisee agreeing to open multiple locations, including 122 E. 109th Ave. in Crown Point.
The Crown Point restaurant will introduce Protein Bar & Kitchen's first drive-thru location, offering customers grab-and-go food and drinks.
Billed as a wholesome food concept and active lifestyle brand, Protein Bar & Kitchen first opened in downtown Chicago in 2009 to address the lack of restaurants catering to healthy, active people in the Loop area. Originally offering protein-packed shakes touted as “fast fuel,” the menu has expanded to include high-protein bowls, salads, smoothies and wraps that can be customized to fit any diet.
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They offer 15 protein options and a variety of flavors and ingredients on a regular basis, including braised kale, organic quinoa, roasted mushrooms, and red cabbage. The menu includes dishes such as a Japanese barbecue salmon bowl, a buffalo bowl, a black bean bowl, a spinach and pesto bowl, a Mexicali bowl, and a Chicago Med bowl with roasted chicken. They also offer breakfast scrambles, acai bowls, parfaits, soups, quinoa chicken chili, and wraps called baritos.
“As consumer demand for healthy, protein-packed meal options continues to grow, we're thrilled to welcome our first franchisee to Protein Bar & Kitchen,” said CEO Jeff Drake. “The all-day power of protein is growing in popularity, and we look forward to bringing PBK to Crown Point as we expand across the country.”
Protein Bar & Kitchen is considering franchising at a time when the IFA Economic Outlook Report predicts fast-casual franchising will grow 2.2% to reach $301 billion in economic impact in 2024. Protein Bar & Kitchen reported that sales at its Chicago locations increased 27% last year compared to the previous year, while sales at its suburban locations increased 17% last year.
As the company expanded into the suburbs, it designed its franchised stores to have smaller store floor spaces.
The Crown Point store is scheduled to open later this year.
For more information, visit www.theproteinbar.com
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