Fresh Kitchen

About Fresh Kitchen

Fresh Kitchen operates as a fast-casual restaurant chain centered on a build-your-own-bowl model, targeting health-conscious consumers seeking quick and customizable meals. The company is a brand within the portfolio of the Ciccio Restaurant Group (CRG), a family-owned hospitality company. CRG was founded in New York City by James Lanza, who later relocated to Tampa in 1996, drawn by the area's lifestyle. The restaurant group itself is named after James's father, Frank 'Ciccio' Lanza.

The concept for Fresh Kitchen was developed by James's sons, brothers Steven and Matt Lanza, who were inspired by trips to California. Steven Lanza, who serves as President, gained experience in the family business from a young age, working his way up from busing tables at his father's restaurants. The first Fresh Kitchen opened in Tampa's SoHo district in September 2014, with the mission of providing great food, served fast. This initial location's success led to rapid expansion, first to Sarasota and St. Petersburg in late 2015 and early 2016, and then to other parts of Florida. The brand's growth has been supported by funding rounds, including a $4.125 million equity offering in late 2019 and early 2020 for Florida expansion. In 2017, Fresh Kitchen entered a joint venture partnership with Covelli Family Limited Partnership, a major Panera franchisee, to accelerate its growth across the state.

The business model is based on operational simplicity within the fast-casual segment. Revenue is generated through direct sales to customers at its physical locations. The menu is 100% gluten-free and focuses on fresh, scratch-made ingredients. Customers create their own bowls by choosing from a selection of bases (like sweet potato noodles or quinoa), roasted vegetables, hormone and antibiotic-free grilled meats or other proteins, and house-made sauces. The assembly-line process allows customers to see all the ingredients and have their meal prepared quickly. In addition to bowls, the restaurants offer house-made cold-pressed juices, teas, and frescas. The company also offers catering services with options for individual bowls or larger shared meals. Fresh Kitchen emphasizes community engagement and sustainability, implementing programs for composting and food donations.