FRESH® Healthy Café has been life-changing for Rick Hetzel and Cheryl Mothes. The husband and wife opened their first location in Missouri in 2019 and have since expanded with several more. Their motivation for building a successful business comes from a place of genuine goodness – much like the brand itself. By Brianna Bohn
How a Husband-and-Wife Team Built a Healthier Future
FRESH® Healthy Café has been life-changing for Rick Hetzel and Cheryl Mothes. The husband and wife opened their first location in Missouri in 2019 and have since expanded with several more. Their motivation for building a successful business comes from a place of genuine goodness – much like the brand itself.
“We’ve teamed up to give our community the resources they need to live healthier lives and make a difference for many customers,” said Hetzel, who oversees U.S. development.
Mothes, a former nurse with a Ph.D. in holistic nutrition, is the driving force behind FRESH Healthy Café’s vision, according to Hetzel. She developed the brand’s wholesome menu and education program to help guests make informed choices and build lifelong eating habits. This mission is especially important today: According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Americans now consume about a third of their daily calories away from home – often from fast food. FRESH Healthy Café offers a much-needed healthier alternative.
Mothes calls FRESH Healthy Café “a dream come true.” Backed by a corporate team dedicated to community impact through high-quality, nutritious food, the brand has flourished, growing to 14 locations across the U.S. The couple couldn’t be prouder.
“We sought a partner who cared about plant-forward foods and beverages of the highest quality, that could educate consumers and personalize their nutritional needs and that cared about the environment. It was also important that the franchise leadership was open-minded and willing to allow us to try new concepts and foods,” Mothes said.
The brand continues to revolutionize the healthy quick-service category with nutrient-dense customizable offerings – including soups, salads, wraps, paninis, quinoa bowls and smoothies – while offering franchisee support for the life of the business.
For couples considering franchising, Hetzel offers advice: “A shared vision is everything. Cheryl is not involved in the daily operations at FRESH, but her support and perspective are a driving force behind our vision. The secret is to define your roles clearly, communicate openly and leverage each other’s unique strengths.”
For Hetzel and Mothes, this is only the beginning. With FRESH Healthy Café behind them, their passion and shared vision will continue shaping healthier communities.
Brianna Bohn