Forget the Salad Bar. A $50 Million Startup Bets on Healthy Grab-and-Go Meals - look up calories for restaurant dishes

David kilhoff said that when he was chief executive officer of the weight watch company in the medium term,
2000. One thing that has been bothering him is trade.
Many of his customers had to leave in order to reach the weight they wanted.
"I'm frustrated because the food environment forces you to choose between foods you're not so excited about --
You know, kale and water.
"Or the food you want to eat," he said, which is unhealthy.
"It's almost like forcing people to live with this eating mentality.
Now, Kirchhoff thinks he has found a better way to help keep Americans healthy.
He has been running Snap kitchen for the past yearyear-
Professional grab the old chain-and-
Before checking the calorie count, go and eat food that caters to the search for healthy ingredientsthink gluten-
Alfredo or non-dairy, grass-
Roast lasagna with lamb.
Kirchhoff says Snap is different from Weight Watchers because it's about delicious food, not deprivation.
Snap has 44 stores in Texas, Chicago and Philadelphia, and also sells food in five Whole Foods Market stores, making its own food every day in the kitchen near the store.
Kirchhoff said that there are a lot of customers like him who are eager for food --
Friendly priests don't have to pay attention to their calorie count: He ate two fast food meals
When you are in your thirties, you often choose a large Buffalo quinoa (620 calories)
Or lamb lasagna (520 calories)
Four for him. times-a-week weight-
Promotion Meeting.
"I will describe myself as a protein Hunter," he said . ".
Fast Field-
Service restaurant trying to attract this ingredient-
From the Mediterranean food expert Zos kitchen to quinoa, the key diners are becoming more and more crowded --
The LYFE Kitchen-centered protein bar ensures a healthy taste that matches the "journey of your life.
"With the increase of the fast concept, the saturation is getting higher and higher
Casual food that provides healthier and better food, "said Darren Tristano, president of industry research firm alimmic.
Snap stands out from the crowd by embracing graband-go concept.
The Itsaverage store is 800 square feet away. ft.
, A counter for people who want to eat there but don't have a table.
The walls are equipped with cold boxes full of prepackaged food and beverages.
Gina Armbruster, who works near Snap's store in Chicago Loop, said she doesn't have a special diet and is not a vegan, but when she has lunch twice a week at a restaurant, she will still check the carbs on the Snap label.
The variety attracted her.
"You have different types of meat," says Armbruster . " His favorite dish is naked beef with peas and broccoli.
"Or, you can be completely vegetarian if you want.
8,500 at Snap-sq. -ft.
Chefs from the Chicago grocery store Cook from 6a and serve eight stores and a whole meal. m. until 3p. m. daily.
On the most recent afternoon, they prepared the flavor o.
Carrot Dressing for vegetarian raw rainbow salad, staff weigh and wrap turkey meatloaf with mashed potatoes and green beans.
Chief Operating Officer Dale Easdon, who employs many chefs from the aviation industry, has worked in the aviation industry for 25 years to manage kitchens and operations for companies including LSG Sky Chefs and Continental Airlines.
He said: "These people are used to volume, but they also" understand the importance of the first --class food.
Snap plans to expand into New York, Miami, Boston, Washington and California.
Kirchhoff said that the New York area alone can support up to 200 stores, 10 times the number of stores he opened in Austin, the first store opened in 2010.
"There is a lot of demand," Easdon said . ".
"We were asked to come in.
The price of a few fast meals is over $8 and some salads are $8. 49—
Plus $3 for steak or shrimp. 99.
Snap is "more in the middle --to upper-
"The field of class income," Tristano said . ".
Although the chain can grow, the number of units may also be limited, he said.
"There are very few stores to reach 1,000.
500 is probably a good goal.
Snap has raised $50 million from investors.
L Catterton is a private equity company specializing in consumer brands, with co-
Co-founder Bradley Radov and Martin Berson opened the first snapshot.
The company is not planning an IPO soon.
"At some point, the public market may make sense," says kilhoff . ".
"But this is the way out.
Catterton says Snap combines the sustainability and convenience of a healthy life.
As for choosing Kirchhoff to run a chain: "Given Dave's operational background, leadership and passion for the company's mission, he is the ideal candidate, managing partner Jon Osley said in a statement.
"He and our team have expanded the concept from a culinary point of view, and in a very short period of time, from a geographic and branding point of view, Snap has been positioned as the dominant player in the food space.
"Currently, Snap is expanding the menu to help increase the average annual sales of about $1 per store at the moment. 29million.
This is 44% less than the Pret a Manger sandwich shop, according to dealmic.
In July, Snap introduced a salad that allows diners to customize their food with different proteins
Chicken, tofu, steak and shrimp.
More vegetarian options will be available in October.
The chain will launch a mobile app this fall to start delivering meals next year.
It also hopes to expand the grocery market.
Store Distribution.
The key is to convince more young professionals.
Packaged food is cool.
Bottom line: Snap Kitchen expands across the country for diners who care more about healthy ingredients than calories.