2012
3
$637,500
$40,000
$841,000
No
Crushed Red is redefining the fast-casual dining experience by offering a unique blend of health-conscious, artisan-crafted salads and pizzas served with speed and sustainability. Founded in St. Louis, Missouri, Crushed Red has quickly gained recognition for its commitment to fresh ingredients, eco-friendly operations, and a welcoming atmosphere. Their "Artisan Fast" approach combines culinary craftsmanship with quick service, appealing to today's health-conscious consumers seeking both quality and convenience.
With a focus on sustainability, Crushed Red operates under an "organic halo," utilizing organic products whenever possible, including salad dressings, pizza sauce, and cheese. Their commitment to reducing waste is evident in their restaurant designs, which aim to produce minimal waste and maintain sustainable operations.
The brand's expansion strategy includes a strong emphasis on franchising, making it an attractive opportunity for investors looking to enter the growing fast-casual dining sector. Crushed Red's innovative concept and dedication to quality have positioned it as a leader in the industry.
Investing in a Crushed Red franchise offers several compelling advantages:
Innovative Concept: Crushed Red's focus on artisan-crafted salads and pizzas sets it apart in the crowded fast-casual market.
Sustainability Commitment: The brand's dedication to eco-friendly operations appeals to environmentally conscious consumers.
Proven Business Model: With multiple locations and a growing presence, Crushed Red has demonstrated a scalable and profitable business model.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support, ensuring a smooth operational experience.
Growth Potential: The brand's expansion strategy and market demand provide significant growth opportunities for franchisees.
Crushed Red was founded in 2012 in St. Louis, Missouri, by Chris LaRocca and Powell Kalish, with a mission to bring fresh, healthy, and artisan-crafted fast-casual dining to the market. The brand started as a single location focusing on “Artisan Fast” salads and pizzas, combining culinary craftsmanship with quick service to meet the growing demand for healthier, convenient dining options.
Since its inception, Crushed Red has expanded steadily, opening multiple locations across Missouri and Colorado, and has developed a franchise program to accelerate national growth. The company is privately held by OTRR Franchising, LLC, ensuring dedicated support and operational oversight for its franchisees.
Crushed Red operates in the fast-casual dining industry, specializing in salads, pizzas, soups, and catering services, and is recognized for its commitment to sustainability, organic ingredients, and eco-friendly restaurant practices. With a focus on quality, consistency, and customer satisfaction, the brand has built a loyal customer base and established a strong market presence, making it an attractive opportunity for investors looking to enter the fast-casual sector.
Crushed Red is committed to a partnership model, providing robust and comprehensive support to ensure franchisees are set up for operational excellence from day one.
Pre-Launch Support (Site Selection & Development):
Real Estate Assistance: Guidance on market analysis, site selection criteria (e.g., demographics, traffic, co-tenancy), and lease negotiation strategies.
Design & Construction: Complete access to approved prototype architectural plans, equipment specifications, and oversight during the build-out phase to ensure brand consistency and operational flow.
Operational & Academic Training:
Initial Training Program: An intensive, multi-week training program conducted at the corporate headquarters and/or a certified training location, covering all aspects of the business—from food preparation techniques (including pizza making and salad chopping) to inventory management, POS systems, and guest services.
On-Site Opening Support: A dedicated Crushed Red opening team will be on-site at your restaurant prior to and through your opening to assist with final preparations, staff training, and the crucial first days of operation.
Marketing & Brand Support:
Grand Opening & Local Marketing: Assistance with creating a localized marketing strategy, providing proven collateral, and campaign guidance for a successful launch.
Ongoing Marketing: Contribution to a national (or regional) marketing fund for system-wide brand development, digital marketing, and public relations efforts.
Ongoing & Academic Support:
Field Support: Regular visits from a dedicated Franchise Business Consultant (FBC) to assist with operational audits, P&L analysis, cost controls, and implementation of new products or procedures.
Supply Chain: Access to a vetted and approved supply chain for consistent, high-quality ingredients, ensuring cost control and brand standards are maintained.
Proprietary Manuals & Systems: Access to the full Crushed Red Operations Manuals, recipes, training materials, and technology platforms.
Continuing Education: Opportunities for refresher training, annual franchisee conferences, and ongoing communication to share best practices.
Crushed Red is seeking qualified, multi-unit investors and experienced entrepreneurs who are passionate about the future of healthy, quality dining.
Business Background: Ideal candidates must have a proven track record in successful restaurant or multi-unit retail operations, either personally or through a qualified Operating Partner. Food-service experience is highly preferred.
Passion & Culture Fit: A genuine enthusiasm for the Crushed Red brand, its commitment to fresh, artisan-quality food, and its focus on environmental sustainability (minimal waste) is essential. The franchisee must be a brand ambassador.
Financial Capability: Must meet the minimum financial thresholds, demonstrating the ability to fund the entire development plan and sustain working capital for the initial operating phase. The franchisor often seeks candidates committed to minimum multi-unit development (e.g., 3-5 locations).
Location Preference: Must have a working knowledge of the local market area they plan to develop and reside within that territory. Target markets are high-traffic, densely populated areas, often near corporate offices, universities, or high-density residential areas where the "Artisan Fast" concept thrives.
Management Style: Must be a hands-on or highly engaged investor with strong leadership and management skills, capable of building and training a high-performing team.
| Financial Item | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $637,500 – $841,000 |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $40,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of gross sales |
| Advertising / Marketing Fee | 1% of gross sales |
| Working Capital Required | $40,000 – $70,000 |
| Infrastructure / Build-out Cost | Included in Total Investment (approx. $500,000 – $650,000) |
| Minimum Net Worth Required | $1,250,000 |
| Liquid Assets Required | $300,000 |
| Expected Break-Even Time | 18 – 24 months (depending on location & market conditions) |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Sales from salads, pizzas, soups, catering services, online orders |
| Expected ROI | Varies by location; typical fast-casual ROI patterns apply (approx. 15–25% annually once established) |
| Franchise Units (Current) | 3+ franchised locations as of 2017, with expansion planned |
| Franchise Term | Standard 10-year renewable term |
