In the rapidly evolving landscape of fast food, Crisp & Green has emerged as a beacon of healthy eating, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional quick-service restaurants. As the demand for nutritious and sustainable food options continues to grow, it’s natural to wonder who’s behind this innovative brand. In this article, we’ll delve into the ownership of Crisp & Green, exploring the company’s history, mission, and the individuals driving its success.
A Brief History of Crisp & Green
Crisp & Green was founded in 2016 by Steele Smiley, a serial entrepreneur with a passion for healthy living. Smiley, a self-proclaimed “health enthusiast,” recognized a gap in the market for quick, nutritious meals that didn’t compromise on taste or quality. With a background in business and a keen eye for innovation, Smiley set out to create a brand that would revolutionize the fast food industry.
The Concept Takes Shape
Smiley’s vision for Crisp & Green was built around a simple yet powerful concept: to provide healthy, sustainable food that’s both accessible and affordable. The brand’s early days were marked by extensive research and development, as Smiley worked tirelessly to craft a menu that would appeal to a wide range of palates. From salads and bowls to wraps and smoothies, every item on the Crisp & Green menu was carefully designed to be not only delicious but also nutritious.
A Focus on Sustainability
One of the key factors that sets Crisp & Green apart from its competitors is its commitment to sustainability. The brand has made a conscious effort to reduce its environmental footprint, implementing eco-friendly practices throughout its operations. From compostable packaging to energy-efficient equipment, Crisp & Green has demonstrated a genuine dedication to minimizing its impact on the planet.
The Ownership Structure of Crisp & Green
So, who owns Crisp & Green? As a privately held company, Crisp & Green’s ownership structure is not publicly disclosed. However, we can look to the brand’s leadership team for insight into the individuals driving its success.
Steele Smiley: Founder and CEO
As the founder and CEO of Crisp & Green, Steele Smiley is the driving force behind the brand’s vision and mission. With a background in business and a passion for healthy living, Smiley has been instrumental in shaping the company’s strategy and direction.
Other Key Players
While Smiley is the public face of Crisp & Green, there are several other key players who have contributed to the brand’s success. These include:
- David Morton: As the company’s President and COO, Morton brings a wealth of experience in the restaurant industry, having previously held leadership roles at brands like Noodles & Company and Smashburger.
- Jason Mrachina: As Crisp & Green’s Chief Marketing Officer, Mrachina is responsible for driving the brand’s marketing strategy and creative direction.
Investors and Funding
As a privately held company, Crisp & Green has received funding from several investors, including:
- Level 5 Capital Partners: A private equity firm that specializes in investing in growth-stage companies, Level 5 Capital Partners has provided significant funding to Crisp & Green.
- Other investors: While the exact details of Crisp & Green’s funding are not publicly disclosed, it’s reported that the company has received investment from several other private equity firms and individual investors.
Growth and Expansion
With a strong leadership team and significant funding in place, Crisp & Green has been able to expand its operations rapidly. The brand currently has over 100 locations across the United States, with plans for further growth and expansion in the coming years.
Awards and Recognition
Crisp & Green’s commitment to healthy, sustainable food has earned the brand numerous awards and accolades, including:
- Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers and Shakers: Crisp & Green was named one of the top 100 most innovative companies in the fast casual industry by Fast Casual magazine.
- Restaurant Business’s Future 50: The brand was recognized as one of the 50 most innovative and growth-oriented companies in the restaurant industry by Restaurant Business magazine.
Conclusion
As we’ve explored the ownership of Crisp & Green, it’s clear that the brand’s success is driven by a passionate team of individuals who are dedicated to revolutionizing the fast food industry. With a strong leadership team, significant funding, and a commitment to sustainability, Crisp & Green is poised for continued growth and expansion in the years to come. Whether you’re a health enthusiast, a foodie, or simply someone looking for a quick and delicious meal, Crisp & Green is definitely worth checking out.
A Final Thought
As the demand for healthy, sustainable food continues to grow, it’s exciting to think about the impact that brands like Crisp & Green can have on the fast food industry. By providing nutritious, eco-friendly options that are accessible to everyone, Crisp & Green is helping to create a healthier, more sustainable food culture. As we look to the future, it will be interesting to see how the brand continues to evolve and innovate, and how its commitment to sustainability will shape the industry as a whole.
Who is the founder of Crisp & Green?
Crisp & Green was founded by Steele Smiley, a successful entrepreneur with a passion for healthy eating. Smiley’s vision for Crisp & Green was to create a fast-casual restaurant that served high-quality, nutritious food that was both delicious and affordable. With a background in business and a keen eye for innovation, Smiley was well-equipped to bring his vision to life and make Crisp & Green a leader in the healthy fast food industry.
Under Smiley’s leadership, Crisp & Green has expanded rapidly, with multiple locations across the United States. The company’s commitment to using only the freshest ingredients and sustainable practices has resonated with customers, who are increasingly looking for healthy and environmentally friendly dining options. Smiley’s dedication to his vision has been instrumental in Crisp & Green’s success, and the company continues to thrive under his guidance.
What type of food does Crisp & Green serve?
Crisp & Green is a healthy fast food restaurant that serves a variety of salads, bowls, and wraps made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The menu is designed to be customizable, allowing customers to choose from a range of proteins, vegetables, and grains to create a meal that suits their dietary needs and preferences. From classic salads like the “Crisp & Green” to more adventurous options like the “Korean BBQ Bowl,” there’s something for everyone at Crisp & Green.
In addition to its core menu items, Crisp & Green also offers a range of seasonal specials and limited-time offers that showcase the freshest ingredients of the moment. The company is committed to sourcing its ingredients from local farmers and suppliers whenever possible, which helps to ensure that the food is not only delicious but also sustainable. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing or hearty and filling, Crisp & Green has a wide range of options to choose from.
Is Crisp & Green a franchise?
Crisp & Green is a rapidly growing company that is expanding through a combination of company-owned locations and franchising. The company has partnered with a number of experienced franchisees who share its commitment to serving high-quality, healthy food and providing exceptional customer service. By franchising, Crisp & Green is able to bring its unique concept to new markets and customers, while also creating opportunities for entrepreneurs who are passionate about healthy eating.
As a franchise, Crisp & Green provides its partners with comprehensive support and training, including assistance with site selection, restaurant design, and operations. The company also offers ongoing marketing and operational support to help its franchisees succeed. By joining the Crisp & Green franchise family, entrepreneurs can be part of a dynamic and growing brand that is making a positive impact on the way people eat.
How many locations does Crisp & Green have?
Crisp & Green has multiple locations across the United States, with new restaurants opening regularly. The company has established a strong presence in its home state of Minnesota, where it was founded, and has also expanded to other markets in the Midwest and beyond. As the company continues to grow, it is likely that Crisp & Green will open many more locations in the coming years, bringing its unique brand of healthy fast food to new customers and communities.
Despite its rapid growth, Crisp & Green remains committed to its core values of serving high-quality, healthy food and providing exceptional customer service. The company’s focus on using only the freshest ingredients and sustainable practices has helped it to build a loyal following of customers who appreciate its commitment to quality and sustainability. As Crisp & Green continues to expand, it is likely that the company will remain a leader in the healthy fast food industry.
What is Crisp & Green’s mission?
Crisp & Green’s mission is to serve high-quality, healthy food that is both delicious and affordable. The company is committed to using only the freshest ingredients and sustainable practices, which helps to ensure that its food is not only good for customers but also for the environment. Crisp & Green’s mission is also focused on providing exceptional customer service, with friendly and knowledgeable staff who are always happy to help.
At its core, Crisp & Green’s mission is about making healthy eating accessible to everyone. The company believes that healthy food should be delicious, affordable, and convenient, and it is committed to making that vision a reality. By serving high-quality, healthy food and providing exceptional customer service, Crisp & Green is helping to make a positive impact on the way people eat and live.
How does Crisp & Green source its ingredients?
Crisp & Green is committed to sourcing its ingredients from local farmers and suppliers whenever possible. The company believes that using fresh, locally sourced ingredients is essential to creating high-quality, healthy food that is both delicious and sustainable. By partnering with local farmers and suppliers, Crisp & Green is able to support the local economy and reduce its carbon footprint.
In addition to sourcing ingredients locally, Crisp & Green is also committed to using sustainable practices throughout its supply chain. The company works closely with its suppliers to ensure that they are using environmentally friendly practices, such as reducing water usage and minimizing waste. By prioritizing sustainability, Crisp & Green is helping to make a positive impact on the environment and promote more sustainable food systems.
Can I order Crisp & Green online or through a mobile app?
Yes, Crisp & Green offers online ordering and mobile ordering through its website and mobile app. Customers can place orders for pickup or delivery, and even customize their meals to suit their dietary needs and preferences. The company’s online ordering system is designed to be easy to use and convenient, making it simple for customers to get their favorite Crisp & Green meals on the go.
In addition to online ordering, Crisp & Green also offers a loyalty program that rewards customers for their purchases. Through the mobile app, customers can earn points for every dollar they spend, which can be redeemed for free menu items and other rewards. The loyalty program is just one way that Crisp & Green is working to build a loyal community of customers who share its passion for healthy eating.