2015
36
$789,500
$35,000
$1,024,300
No
CoreLife Eatery is a rapidly growing fast-casual restaurant franchise that specializes in providing wholesome, made-from-scratch meals. Founded in 2015 in Syracuse, New York, the brand was established by Larry Wilson, Todd Mansfield, and John Caveny with a vision to offer healthy dining options in a fast-casual setting. The franchise has since expanded its presence across multiple states in the USA, including New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Kentucky, with plans to reach 300 locations over the next five years.
CoreLife Eatery's menu focuses on fresh, nutritious ingredients, featuring customizable grain bowls, salads, and bone broths. The brand emphasizes transparency, sustainability, and community engagement, sourcing high-quality, organic ingredients and supporting local farmers and suppliers. This commitment to health-conscious dining has resonated with consumers, positioning CoreLife Eatery as a leader in the health-focused dining industry.
Investing in a CoreLife Eatery franchise offers several compelling advantages:
Health-Focused Brand: Capitalize on the growing demand for healthy, fast-casual dining options.
Proven Business Model: Benefit from a streamlined operational model with a focus on efficiency and quality.
Comprehensive Support: Receive extensive training and ongoing support in areas such as operations, marketing, and supply chain management.
Scalable Growth: Join a brand with ambitious expansion plans and a strong presence in multiple states.
Community Engagement: Participate in a brand that values sustainability and supports local communities.
Established Year: 2015
CoreLife Eatery was founded in 2015 in Syracuse, New York, by Larry Wilson, Todd Mansfield, and John Caveny. The founders shared a vision to create a fast-casual dining experience focused on healthy, made-from-scratch meals that appeal to health-conscious consumers.
Franchise Units:
As of 2025, CoreLife Eatery has grown to 36 operational locations across multiple states including New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Kentucky. The brand has set ambitious expansion goals to reach 300 locations in the coming years, reflecting its rapid growth and strong market demand.
Founders and Brand Journey:
Larry Wilson, Todd Mansfield, and John Caveny started CoreLife Eatery with a mission to make wholesome food convenient, accessible, and appealing.
The brand began as a single location and quickly attracted attention for its fresh ingredients, customizable grain bowls, salads, and bone broths.
Over the years, CoreLife Eatery has become a recognized name in health-focused fast-casual dining, emphasizing transparency, sustainability, and community engagement.
Ownership:
CoreLife Eatery is privately held, maintaining control over its brand standards and operational excellence, which ensures consistency across all locations.
Market Presence in the USA:
CoreLife Eatery has a growing presence in the Northeast, Midwest, and parts of the Southeast.
The brand targets urban and suburban areas with health-conscious demographics, capitalizing on the rising demand for convenient, nutritious dining options.
By blending a modern fast-casual experience with health-oriented cuisine, CoreLife Eatery stands out in the competitive restaurant market.
Industry Category:
CoreLife Eatery belongs to the Health-Focused Fast-Casual Dining sector, a niche that has seen substantial growth as more consumers prioritize nutrition, dietary preferences, and clean eating.
Other Key Information:
The brand emphasizes community involvement, sourcing ingredients locally where possible and supporting sustainable farming practices.
CoreLife Eatery’s menu and operational systems are designed to ensure consistency, quality, and profitability, making it an attractive opportunity for franchise investors.
CoreLife Eatery offers a comprehensive support and training program designed to help franchisees launch and operate their business successfully. The brand focuses on pre-launch guidance, operational excellence, marketing support, and ongoing development to ensure consistent growth across all locations.
Before opening, CoreLife Eatery assists franchisees with:
Site Selection: Evaluating potential locations based on demographics, visibility, foot traffic, and competition to maximize profitability.
Lease Negotiation: Guidance in negotiating favorable lease terms and rental agreements.
Store Design & Buildout: Assistance in designing the layout, selecting equipment, and optimizing the space for operational efficiency.
Local Approvals & Permits: Guidance on acquiring the necessary licenses, health inspections, and regulatory approvals.
CoreLife Eatery provides a structured training program to prepare franchisees and their teams for day-to-day operations:
Operations Training: Hands-on guidance on food preparation, safety, sanitation, and maintaining consistent product quality.
Customer Service Training: Instruction on delivering exceptional guest experiences to build brand loyalty.
Point-of-Sale & Technology Systems: Training on the POS system, inventory management, and reporting tools for streamlined operations.
Management Skills: Coaching on staff scheduling, team leadership, and operational efficiency.
Franchisees receive continuous assistance even after the store opens:
Field Visits: CoreLife Eatery’s support team conducts regular on-site visits to ensure operational standards are maintained.
Performance Analysis: Monitoring sales, costs, and operational efficiency to identify areas for improvement.
Supply Chain & Inventory Support: Assistance in sourcing ingredients, managing vendor relationships, and maintaining stock levels.
CoreLife Eatery helps franchisees build brand awareness and attract customers:
Local Marketing Assistance: Guidance on local advertising campaigns, promotions, social media strategies, and community engagement.
National Marketing Initiatives: Inclusion in brand-wide campaigns to leverage CoreLife Eatery’s growing reputation.
Grand Opening Support: Assistance with pre-opening marketing, launch events, and promotional campaigns to generate buzz and early sales.
Webinars & Workshops: Franchisees and their teams can attend ongoing training sessions on operational improvements, menu updates, and industry trends.
Leadership Development: Programs designed to enhance management skills, team productivity, and franchise growth strategies.
Operations Manual: Comprehensive guide covering standard operating procedures, recipes, marketing strategies, and brand standards.
Proprietary Technology Tools: Access to software systems for inventory, sales reporting, and employee scheduling.
Franchise Advisory Support: Direct communication with corporate experts for guidance on challenges or expansion opportunities.
Summary:
CoreLife Eatery ensures that franchisees are never left on their own. From site selection to daily operations and marketing campaigns, the brand provides full-spectrum support to help franchisees achieve long-term profitability and maintain the high standards that define the CoreLife brand.
CoreLife Eatery looks for franchisees who not only have the financial capability but also share the brand’s passion for health-conscious dining and commitment to operational excellence. The ideal franchisee embodies a combination of entrepreneurial drive, business experience, and community engagement.
Franchisees should have a genuine interest in health, wellness, and nutritious food.
Enthusiasm for promoting wholesome dining aligns with CoreLife Eatery’s brand values and helps build authentic connections with customers.
Experience or personal interest in fitness, nutrition, or wellness is an added advantage.
Strong operational and managerial skills are essential to run a fast-casual restaurant efficiently.
Franchisees should have experience in managing teams, budgeting, staffing, and daily operations.
An understanding of business strategy, marketing, and customer service will help maximize profitability and maintain brand standards.
Must have sufficient capital to meet the total investment requirements, including franchise fee, build-out, initial inventory, working capital, and pre-opening marketing.
Ability to sustain operations during the initial months as the business builds its customer base.
Willingness to adhere to the franchise’s royalty, advertising, and brand fund contributions.
A proactive approach to engaging with the local community is highly valued.
Ability to build relationships with customers, local businesses, and organizations.
Participation in local events, sponsorships, and health initiatives to enhance brand visibility.
Self-motivated and driven to grow the business while maintaining high standards of quality and service.
Open to following the proven systems and processes of CoreLife Eatery while bringing personal energy and leadership to the operation.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills to navigate day-to-day challenges.
Ideal franchisees are interested in operating in areas with a health-conscious and growth-oriented demographic.
Urban and suburban areas with high visibility, foot traffic, and a population that values nutritious, fast-casual dining are preferred.
Summary:
The ideal CoreLife Eatery franchisee is a passionate, motivated, and financially capable entrepreneur with experience in business management, a commitment to community engagement, and a strong interest in promoting healthy living. These qualities ensure the franchisee can successfully operate the restaurant, grow the brand, and provide an outstanding dining experience to customers.
| Expense / Fee | Amount (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $35,000 | One-time fee to join the CoreLife Eatery system |
| Total Investment Required | $760,500 – $1,024,300 | Includes all startup costs (leasehold improvements, equipment, inventory, etc.) |
| Minimum Cash Required | $789,500 | Liquid assets needed to start and operate the business |
| Leasehold Improvements | $310,000 – $390,000 | Renovation and build-out of restaurant space |
| Equipment | $180,000 – $200,000 | Kitchen and food preparation equipment |
| Furniture & Fixtures | $85,000 – $110,000 | Tables, chairs, décor, and interior setup |
| Smallwares | $17,000 – $20,000 | Cooking utensils, containers, and service items |
| Signage & Graphics | $20,000 – $40,000 | Exterior and interior branding |
| Computer Equipment & POS Systems | $11,000 – $15,300 | Registers, inventory systems, and technology |
| Uniforms | $3,000 – $4,000 | Staff uniforms and branding apparel |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $12,000 – $18,000 | Food and beverage stock for launch |
| Pre-Opening Advertising | $28,000 | Marketing campaigns to create local awareness |
| Grand Opening Food Giveaway | $3,000 – $5,000 | Promotional events to attract initial customers |
| Insurance Deposits | $1,500 – $5,000 | Coverage for property, liability, and workers’ comp |
| First Month’s Rent / Security Deposit | $0 – $30,000 | Varies based on location and lease terms |
| Initial Training | $15,000 – $25,000 | Corporate training for owner and management team |
| Miscellaneous Opening Costs | $500 – $10,000 | Permits, licenses, or unexpected expenses |
| Professional Fees | $1,000 – $5,000 | Legal, accounting, and consulting fees |
| Additional Funds – 3 Months Operating Capital | $25,000 – $60,000 | To cover operating costs until business stabilizes |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of Gross Sales | Ongoing fee for brand support and system use |
| Brand Fund / Marketing Fee | 2% of Gross Sales | Contributes to national and regional marketing initiatives |
Notes for Investors:
Expected ROI: Typically achievable within 2–4 years depending on location, management, and market demand.
Break-even Time: Estimated 12–24 months for most franchise locations.
Revenue Streams: Sales from in-store dining, takeout, catering, delivery services, and branded merchandise.
