Vegan Chain Native Foods Testing Express Cafe Concept in Chicago
From its Oklahoma bacon cheeseburgers to its oatmeal cream pies, Native Foods’ menu is a vegan dream.
Much to the delight of plant-based eaters everywhere, the California-based chain is rapidly expanding, and now it’s testing an Express location.
The grab-and-go idea is in the works at the company’s West Loop location in Chicago. The idea stemmed from customer demand—people in high-traffic business districts were seeking super-fast service, CEO Craig Grimes told Nation’s Restaurant News.
At the new spot, in and out time averages four minutes—down from five to seven at a normal branch, Grimes tells Latest Vegan News. Customers can order and pay online in advance or via the chain’s smartphone app.
“We streamlined the menu into several options at one price in four categories: ‘On the Bun,’ or sandwich options, priced at $10.59; wraps, priced at $9.99; salads, priced at $9.79; and bowls, priced at $9.99,” explains Grimes.
If the new location is successful, they’ll be looking for opportunities elsewhere.
“The ideal location would be a smaller storefront, approximately 1000 sq. ft. in an area with big lunch and dinner business that’s concentrated into short amounts of time.”
So what lucky city is up next? Time will tell.
“We’re focusing on strengthening and refining our current restaurants to offer the highest level of hospitality and 100% plant-based cuisine, before deciding on where to go next.”
Follow Latest Vegan News on Facebook, on Twitter @LatestVeganNews, and Google+ , and sign up to receive our daily headlines in your inbox here.
