Established
2009
Franchise Units
30
Minimum Investment
$1,100,000
Franchise Fee
$50,000
Total Investment Range
$1,700,000
Home Based
No
Description
Modern Market Eatery has carved out a distinctive position in the fast-casual restaurant industry by blending chef-driven cuisine with clean ingredients, seasonal menus, and a strong commitment to sustainability. Founded on the belief that food should be both nourishing and crave-worthy, the brand appeals to today’s health-conscious consumers who demand transparency, quality, and convenience without compromise.
Unlike traditional fast food concepts, Modern Market Eatery focuses on scratch-made meals prepared with whole ingredients, responsibly sourced proteins, and fresh produce. The menu balances broad consumer appeal with dietary flexibility, offering bowls, salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and chef specials that cater to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-conscious, and protein-forward lifestyles. This inclusive menu strategy allows franchise locations to capture lunch, dinner, and catering demand across diverse demographics.
From urban professionals and families to fitness-focused consumers and students, Modern Market Eatery resonates with guests who prioritize wellness but still expect speed, value, and bold flavor. The brand’s warm, modern interiors, digital ordering capabilities, and efficient kitchen systems reinforce its positioning as a next-generation fast-casual leader in the United States.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Modern Market Eatery represents a compelling opportunity for investors seeking a scalable restaurant concept aligned with long-term consumer trends. The U.S. fast-casual segment continues to outperform traditional QSRs, and health-forward dining is no longer a niche—it is a mainstream expectation.
One of the brand’s strongest advantages is its ability to balance operational efficiency with culinary credibility. Menus are designed for consistency and speed while still delivering a chef-crafted experience. This makes the model attractive for multi-unit operators and experienced restaurateurs looking for a brand that can grow without sacrificing quality.
Modern Market Eatery also benefits from strong brand recognition in key U.S. markets, a loyal customer base, and a concept that performs well in high-traffic urban, suburban, and mixed-use locations. With increasing demand for catering, online ordering, and off-premise dining, franchisees gain multiple revenue channels beyond in-store transactions.
Background
Established Year: 2009
Founders: Anthony Pigliacampo and Robert Blair
Industry Category: Fast-Casual Healthy Dining / Fresh Casual Restaurants
Modern Market Eatery was founded in Boulder, Colorado, by two lifelong friends who shared a vision of creating a restaurant that combined the quality of fine dining with the speed and accessibility of fast casual. Their goal was simple but ambitious: serve real food, made from scratch, using thoughtfully sourced ingredients, at a price point accessible to everyday guests.
The brand quickly gained traction in Colorado and neighboring states, earning a reputation for culinary integrity, clean menus, and modern design. Over time, Modern Market Eatery expanded across multiple U.S. regions, adapting its menu seasonally while maintaining consistency in quality and guest experience.
Today, Modern Market Eatery operates approximately 30+ active units across the United States, with a mix of corporate and franchised locations. The brand has evolved its ownership structure over the years, focusing on strategic growth, operational refinement, and franchise partnerships that align with its values.
Modern Market Eatery competes in the premium fast-casual segment alongside other health-driven restaurant brands but differentiates itself through its scratch kitchen philosophy, chef-led menu development, and strong sustainability ethos.
Support Training
Modern Market Eatery offers a comprehensive franchise support system designed to guide owners from initial onboarding through long-term operations and growth.
Pre-Launch Support
Franchisees receive assistance with site selection, market analysis, lease review coordination, and restaurant layout planning. The brand provides detailed build-out guidelines, equipment specifications, and vendor recommendations to streamline development and control costs.
Training & Operational Support
New franchisees and management teams undergo in-depth training covering kitchen operations, food preparation standards, inventory management, labor optimization, food safety, and guest experience. Training includes both classroom instruction and hands-on learning in certified training locations.
Marketing & Brand Support
Modern Market Eatery supports franchisees with national branding, digital marketing frameworks, menu rollouts, and promotional campaigns. Franchise partners gain access to marketing toolkits, local store marketing strategies, and guidance on leveraging online ordering, loyalty programs, and catering outreach.
Ongoing Support
After opening, franchisees benefit from continuous operational coaching, field support visits, performance benchmarking, and access to corporate resources. Menu innovation, seasonal updates, and technology enhancements are rolled out system-wide to keep the brand competitive and relevant.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal Modern Market Eatery franchisee is an engaged operator with a passion for food, hospitality, and wellness-oriented brands. While prior restaurant or multi-unit operational experience is preferred, the brand also welcomes disciplined investors who can hire and manage strong leadership teams.
Successful franchisees typically demonstrate:
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Strong business acumen and financial capability
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A hands-on or semi-absentee management approach
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Commitment to operational excellence and brand standards
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Interest in multi-unit development opportunities
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Alignment with the brand’s values around quality, sustainability, and guest experience
Modern Market Eatery performs best in high-visibility locations with strong daytime populations, including urban centers, lifestyle retail developments, college-adjacent areas, and affluent suburban markets.
Financial Detail
| Financial Component | Estimated Details |
|---|---|
| Franchise Model | Fast-Casual Healthy Restaurant |
| Franchise Units (USA) | 30+ Active Locations |
| Total Investment Required | USD $1.1 Million – $1.7 Million |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | Approx. $500,000+ |
| Net Worth Requirement | Approx. $1.5 Million+ |
| Initial Franchise Fee | USD $50,000 |
| Restaurant Size | Approx. 2,500 – 3,500 sq. ft. |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Cost | USD $600,000 – $900,000 |
| Equipment & Fixtures | USD $200,000 – $350,000 |
| Technology & POS Systems | USD $25,000 – $45,000 |
| Initial Inventory | USD $20,000 – $35,000 |
| Pre-Opening & Training Costs | USD $30,000 – $60,000 |
| Initial Marketing / Grand Opening | USD $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 Months) | USD $150,000 – $250,000 |
| Royalty Fee | Approx. 5% – 6% of Gross Sales |
| Brand / Marketing Fund | Approx. 2% – 3% of Gross Sales |
| Advertising Requirement | Local marketing spend required |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | 24 – 36 Months |
| Expected ROI Timeline | Medium-term, market dependent |
| Primary Revenue Streams | Dine-In, Takeout, Online Ordering, Catering, Delivery |