Clean Eatz

The quest for a lucrative franchise opportunity in today’s dynamic market often leads prospective investors to the burgeoning health and wellness sector, where consumer demand for convenient, nutritious options is rapidly accelerating. This is precisely the problem that Clean Eatz, a prominent franchise in the health-focused dining sector, adeptly solves, offering a multi-faceted business model centered around accessible, wholesome meal solutions. Co-founded by the husband-and-wife duo Don and Evonne Varady, the company’s genesis traces back to 2013 with the establishment of its inaugural location in Wilmington, North Carolina, a venture born from Evonne’s direct experience as a fitness trainer preparing healthy meals for her clients. While some historical accounts suggest an earlier company launch in 2011 or 2012, the first physical eatery commenced operations in 2013, with the strategic decision to franchise officially materializing in 2015, marking its entry into broader market expansion. Since its inception, Clean Eatz has demonstrated significant growth, expanding its operational footprint to more than 125 locations across 23 states, establishing itself as a substantial and growing entity within its niche. The brand strategically positions itself in the rapidly expanding U.S. prepared meals market, which was valued at $143 billion in 2020 and is projected to surge to $248 billion by 2028, underscoring a robust total addressable market for its offerings. Furthermore, the Perishable Prepared Food Manufacturing market (NAICS 311991), a core category for Clean Eatz, commands an estimated total addressable market of approximately $23 billion, exhibiting a healthy compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8%. This market relevance, coupled with its proven growth trajectory and commitment to a health-conscious consumer base, positions Clean Eatz as a compelling franchise opportunity, warranting a thorough, independent analysis for serious investors.

The industry landscape for prepared meals and perishable food manufacturing presents a compelling narrative of sustained growth, driven by profound shifts in consumer lifestyles and preferences. The broader perishable prepared food market, encompassing Clean Eatz’s operational focus, was valued at $111.46 billion in 2025 and is projected to expand to $119.29 billion in 2026 at a CAGR of 7.0%, ultimately reaching an estimated $160.59 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 7.7%. On a global scale, the Perishable Prepared Food Manufacturing Market recorded a valuation of $257.90 million in 2025 and is anticipated to escalate to $542.24 million by 2032, demonstrating an impressive CAGR of 11.2%. These substantial market sizes and vigorous growth rates are underpinned by several key consumer trends. Fast-paced lifestyles and increasing urbanization directly fuel the demand for ready-made and convenient meal solutions, as consumers prioritize time-saving benefits. A significant driver is the strong and growing preference for "better-for-you" products, particularly among Gen Z consumers, who are increasingly health-conscious. Health and wellness trends, coupled with heightened consumer interest in fresh, minimally processed, organic, natural, and locally sourced ingredients, are collectively boosting demand across the sector. Data indicates that approximately 67% of consumers actively prefer ready-to-eat perishable products for their dual benefits of time efficiency and freshness. Furthermore, rising disposable incomes contribute to the willingness of consumers to invest in quality, convenient meal options. Technological advancements in food processing, packaging—including innovations like vacuum-sealed and modified atmosphere technologies—and preservation techniques are continuously enhancing product quality, safety, and shelf life, thereby expanding market potential and consumer trust. The industry also benefits from a growing focus on clean-label products, with over 40% of manufacturers now emphasizing natural, organic, and preservative-free ingredients, aligning perfectly with the Clean Eatz brand ethos. These powerful secular tailwinds and macro forces create an attractive environment for franchise investment, positioning brands like Clean Eatz to capitalize on evolving consumer behaviors and a robust market outlook.

Investing in a Clean Eatz franchise involves a structured financial commitment designed to facilitate comprehensive operational readiness. The initial franchise fee is set at $49,500, a figure that reflects the brand’s established system and support infrastructure within the health-focused dining category. The estimated total investment required to open a Clean Eatz franchised restaurant typically spans from $344,700 to $798,000, covering essential expenditures such as construction, equipment procurement, initial inventory, and crucial initial operating expenses. It is important to note that other sources cite slightly different investment ranges, such as $358,000 to $762,000, and a broader range of $116,000 to $585,000, reflecting potential variations in format, location-specific build-out costs, or different reporting periods. The variation in these ranges can often be attributed to factors such as real estate costs in diverse geographies, the extent of leasehold improvements needed, and the specific equipment package chosen for each location. Beyond the initial investment, franchisees are subject to ongoing fees, including a royalty rate of 6% of gross sales, which contributes to the continuous development and support of the brand. The advertising contribution encompasses a national marketing fee of 1% of gross sales, complemented by a requirement to allocate at least 2% of gross sales to local advertising efforts, effectively totaling a 3% advertising commitment, though some sources simplify this to a 2% Brand Fund or Ad Fund Fee. Regarding liquidity, the minimum financial requirement for prospective franchisees stands at $200,000 in liquid assets per location. For those pursuing multi-unit development, specifically a 3-unit agreement, a minimum of $600,000 in liquid assets is mandated. Furthermore, a minimum net worth of $750,000 is required for a single unit, escalating to $2,250,000 for a 3-unit development. This comprehensive financial framework positions Clean Eatz as a mid-tier to premium franchise investment, accessible to individuals with substantial capital and a strategic vision for growth within the health and wellness sector.

The Clean Eatz operating model is meticulously designed to ensure consistency, efficiency, and comprehensive support for its franchisees, fostering a culture where franchisees are "never on their own." Daily operations for a Clean Eatz franchisee are centered around delivering convenient, nutritious meal options through a multi-faceted approach that typically includes a working cafe, meal plan services, and catering options, all focused on fresh, minimally processed food. While specific unit-level staffing requirements are not detailed, the operational model is streamlined to manage both front-of-house customer service and back-of-house meal preparation effectively. The brand primarily operates with a cafe format, as evidenced by the working cafe integrated into its new national headquarters, and there are no specific mentions of alternative formats such as drive-thrus, kiosks, or mobile units in the provided data. A cornerstone of the Clean Eatz franchise opportunity is its robust training program; new franchisees undergo an intensive 10-day, or two-week, hands-on training program conducted at the corporate headquarters in Wilmington, North Carolina. This comprehensive training regimen covers all critical aspects of operating the eatery, from efficient front-of-house customer service protocols to meticulous back-of-house meal preparation procedures, effective local marketing strategies, and strict adherence to brand standards, ensuring a consistent brand experience across all locations. Beyond initial training, franchisees benefit from extensive ongoing corporate support, including access to a comprehensive operations manual, a dedicated franchise support team, and direct interaction with the founders, Don and Evonne Varady. The new national headquarters, located in a former Chuck E. Cheese building at 4389 Oleander Drive in Wilmington and expected to open in Fall 2023 as of a June 2023 report, further enhances this support structure by including dedicated training facilities, offices for approximately 15 staff members, and a working cafe to serve as a model. Marketing materials are also provided to assist franchisees in building local brand awareness and driving customer engagement. While specific territory structures are not explicitly detailed, the brand's multi-unit development requirements, such as minimum liquid assets of $600,000 and net worth of $2,250,000 for a 3-unit development, clearly indicate an expectation and preference for growth-oriented owner-operators who are actively involved in their business.

Clean Eatz provides comprehensive financial performance representations (FPRs) in its Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) Item 19, offering transparency into potential unit-level economics for prospective investors. The average revenue per Clean Eatz franchised restaurant, also known as Average Unit Volume (AUV), is approximately $1,083,000 per year, reflecting a strong performance benchmark within the health-focused dining sector. Other reported average gross sales figures further corroborate this robust performance, including $1,086,720, $1.1 million, and $970,885, indicating a consistent revenue stream across the franchise system. According to the detailed 2024 financial performance representations, an average Clean Eatz unit reported gross sales of $1,056,495. Analyzing the operational costs, the average unit incurred $404,815 in Cost of Goods Sold, $173,518 in Labor expenses, and $76,466 for Occupancy Cost. Other operating costs amounted to $278,688. After accounting for these expenses, the average unit reported an Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA), less owner/manager salary, of $123,008. These figures highlight a structured cost model designed to support profitability. For units within an investment range of $116,000 to $585,000, the median EBITDA is notably higher, reported at $210,000, suggesting that lower initial investment models can yield strong returns. Furthermore, estimated earnings for an owner-operator are projected to be between $116,507 and $145,633, providing a clear picture of potential personal income for active franchisees. This robust financial performance translates into an estimated Franchise Payback Period of 4.4 to 6.4 years, indicating a relatively swift return on investment for a well-managed Clean Eatz franchise. The consistent AUVs and detailed profitability metrics underscore the brand’s effective operational strategies and strong market acceptance, providing a compelling financial case for potential investors considering this franchise opportunity.

Clean Eatz has demonstrated a compelling growth trajectory, marked by substantial expansion and strategic initiatives designed to further solidify its market presence. The brand has expanded to more than 125 locations across 23 states, reflecting a consistent upward trend in unit count over recent years. Earlier figures illustrate this progressive growth, with 81 units reported in July 2022, increasing to 87 units in 2022, reaching 95 cafes by June 2023, and surpassing 100 cafes by February 2024. This consistent unit expansion is complemented by strong financial performance, as the brand achieved a notable 12.6% sales growth and a parallel 12.6% unit growth year-over-year. The company harbors ambitious expansion plans, aiming to double its franchising footprint within three years, as articulated in a June 2023 report. This strategic growth is precisely why, in October 2024, Eric Wyatt was appointed as Clean Eatz's first CEO, a strategic move specifically aimed at focusing on and accelerating the brand's expansion efforts, while co-founders Don and Evonne Varady remain actively involved in leadership. For 2026, Clean Eatz is targeting aggressive franchise development in five major metropolitan markets: Charleston, South Carolina; Chicago, Illinois; Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and St. Louis, Missouri. Additionally, the brand plans to penetrate three new states, further broadening its national reach. A multi-unit development deal finalized in April 2023 already exemplifies this strategy, committing to three new locations in Southeast Florida, specifically in Boynton Beach, Jupiter, and Wellington within Palm Beach County. The brand's competitive moat is fortified by its specialized focus on convenient, nutritious meal options that cater to a health-conscious demographic, a segment with enduring demand. Furthermore, Clean Eatz operates exclusively within the United States but extends its reach through a unique partnership with the Department of Defense, providing meal kits to military bases outside the U.S., showcasing a diversified revenue stream and a unique distribution channel. The recent completion of a new national headquarters in Wilmington, located at 4389 Oleander Drive in a former Chuck E. Cheese building, which was expected to open in Fall 2023 (as of a June 2023 report), underscores the brand's investment in infrastructure to support its growth, featuring a working cafe, offices for approximately 15 staff members, and dedicated training facilities to enhance franchisee support and operational consistency.

The ideal Clean Eatz franchisee is typically an individual with a strong entrepreneurial drive, a passion for health and wellness, and the financial capacity to meet the required investment thresholds. While specific experience or management background is not explicitly mandated, the nature of the business—operating a health-focused eatery with meal plan and catering components—suggests that candidates with prior experience in food service, retail management, or a strong understanding of business operations would be well-suited. The brand’s emphasis on comprehensive training and ongoing support, including interaction with founders Don and Evonne Varady, indicates that a willingness to learn and adhere to a proven system is paramount. For investors interested in expanding their portfolio, Clean Eatz actively encourages multi-unit development, evidenced by its specific financial requirements: a minimum of $600,000 in liquid assets and a minimum net worth of $2,250,000 for a 3-unit development. This clearly signals an expectation for franchisees with substantial capital and a long-term growth vision. In terms of territory, Clean Eatz is in an active expansion phase, with specific targets for major metropolitan markets in 2026, including Charleston, South Carolina; Chicago, Illinois; Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and St. Louis, Missouri. The brand also plans to enter three additional states, indicating ample opportunities for new franchisees in strategic growth areas. The recent multi-unit development deal in Southeast Florida for Boynton Beach, Jupiter, and Wellington in Palm Beach County further highlights the brand's focused approach to market penetration. While specific market performance data is not provided, the targeting of major metropolitan areas suggests these are considered prime locations for success, driven by population density and consumer demand for convenient, healthy food options. The comprehensive training and support structure are designed to facilitate a smooth transition from signing the franchise agreement to the successful opening of a new Clean Eatz location, though a specific timeline from signing to opening is not provided.

For the discerning investor seeking a robust franchise opportunity in a high-growth sector, Clean Eatz presents a compelling investment thesis, characterized by strong market positioning, transparent unit economics, and a clear expansion strategy. Operating within the dynamic U.S. prepared meals market, valued at $143 billion in 2020 and projected to reach $248 billion by 2028, Clean Eatz is strategically aligned with enduring consumer trends towards health, convenience, and clean-label products. The brand’s impressive Average Unit Volume of approximately $1,083,000 per year, coupled with detailed 2024 financial performance representations showing an average EBITDA (less owner/manager salary) of $123,008, provides a strong indicator of its operational efficiency and profitability. With an estimated Franchise Payback Period of 4.4 to 6.4 years and a strong FPI Score of 65, Clean Eatz demonstrates a balanced risk-reward profile for qualified candidates. The company’s ambitious plans to double its franchising footprint within three years, supported by the appointment of its first CEO, Eric Wyatt, and significant infrastructure investments like its new national headquarters, underscore a forward-looking and growth-oriented leadership. For those ready to explore this opportunity, PeerSense provides exclusive due diligence data including SBA lending history, location maps with Google ratings, FDD financial data, and side-by-side comparison tools. Explore the complete Clean Eatz franchise profile on PeerSense to access the full suite of independent franchise intelligence data.