News

New joint venture partners get 'fresh' with the Sunshine State

April 11, 2017

For the most  part, the terms "fresh" and QSR are typically not used together in the same sentence. But, a new joint venture partnership aims to change that, starting in the Sunshine State of Florida.

Build-your-own-bowl QSR concept, Fresh Kitchen, has paired with a major Florida Panera franchisee, known as the Covelli Family Limited Partnership or CFLP, to open a chain of Fresh Kitchen locations across Florida in the coming months, according to a news release, which says the QSR brand just made its South Florida debut in Boca Raton last month. 

Fresh Kitchen is a Ciccio Restaurant Group brand, along with a dozen other concepts, like Better Byrd, Daily Eats and The Lodge. Diners build their own bowls at the restaurants using fresh-prepared ingredients like sweet potato noodles, roasted veggies as well as hormone- and antibiotic-free grilled meats and fresh seafood. All ingredients are free of gluten with many vegan options

CFLP operates 77 Panera Bread stores in Florida. Together, the partners expect to grow the Fresh Kitchen concept, around Florida and then beyond.

"We will continue to focus on growing organically through our people, in order to maintain our beautiful culture, food and overall experience," Fresh Kitchen partner Matt Lanza said in a news release. 

As part of the partnership, CFLP owner, Kevin Ricci, will join Fresh Kitchen's board. The QSR chain's next opening is set for the Waterford Lakes Town Center in Orlando, though an exact date was not provided. 

 "We're excited about the opportunity to grow our brand with such an established group like CFLP," Fresh Kitchen partner Steven Lanza said in a news release. "They bring a level of expertise in both operations and real estate development, that when paired with our passion for food, will really create a strong team." 

Photo: Provided by Fresh Kitchen