Since Anthony Leone launched the fast casual franchise in 2003, Energy Kitchen is gaining popularity among the healthy not just fitness conscious.

A former district manager for Boston Market and Ranch 1, Leone's Energy innovative menu consisting of only items of 500 calories or less has been getting great attention with articles in Entrepreneur and The USA Today.

How did Energy Kitchen's original mission differ from its current focus? Why did the founders choose to make the change?

It has not. The original mission was to provide a healthy alternative to people on the go. The current focus is still the same but we have enhanced it greatly. We wanted to take the thinking out of eating healthy by making all of our options under 500 calories, grilled, baked, steamed and Never Fried.

What are EK's current locations?

We currently have 8 locations in Manhattan and 1 in Hoboken. You can find all of our current locations on www.Energykitchen.com

Where do you plan to expand?

We are expanding to, FL, CT,NJ, DC, Boston, and other areas of NY.

Where do you source your meat and produce? Are all products natural?

We source most of our protein from Canada and Montana, and produce is local produce. Most of our products are natural.

How is it possible that every order is under 500 calories?

We worked very hard on making all the menu items under 500 calories. The ones that were over we eliminated or altered the recipe. We take immense pride in our calorie counts and test them 4 different ways. In addition we only have 1 serving size on all our products. We are healthy made easy.

What has been the biggest learning curve for you as a franchise owner?

Dealing with the immense volume that the restaurant does. The stores are very busy and we want each and every guest to have a great experience every time.

Why do you believe EK has been successful?

We have stuck to our core brand. We are fast food without the guilt; We do not serve any full calorie beverage, we do not cook with any oil or butter, nothing is ever fried. There really is no temptation within our stores. And, we do this all without sacrificing taste!

Where do you see the progressive food movement heading next?

Progressive food is coming toward Energy Kitchen. The reason why I wanted to open a franchise is because I knew that we are ahead of the curve. With legislation in NY and CA calorie posting is mandatory. Energy Kitchen has done this day 1. It is only a matter of time till the rest of the country will follow.

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