Residents of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Rick Hetzel and his wife, Cheryl Mothes, struggled to find a restaurant that catered to their healthy, vegan lifestyle. Hetzel had an active career in the military and law enforcement and Mothes had a career as a nurse. By Kelsi Trinidad
Residents of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Rick Hetzel and his wife, Cheryl Mothes, struggled to find a restaurant that catered to their healthy, vegan lifestyle. Hetzel had an active career in the military and law enforcement and Mothes had a career as a nurse.
Given his experience and demanding careers, Hetzel has a strong belief in the merits of living a healthy lifestyle. He’s also concerned about the rate at which obesity and other diseases are rising in the U.S. These two factors were the driving force behind Hetzel’s investment in the Canadian company FRESH® Healthy Café, which would better his community by making delicious, healthy food more accessible.
With extensive experience as an entrepreneur, Hetzel was looking for a franchise that would fulfill his and his wife’s goals. While he knew a fully vegan restaurant likely wouldn’t thrive, he wanted something that prioritized organic meats and fresh, plant-based options. FRESH Healthy Café ticked each of those boxes.
Hetzel became a master franchisee in Missouri, and in 2019, he opened his first location in a hospital next to a fitness center and followed with a second location shortly after.
“We literally are what we eat, and we felt that it was important for us to be able to provide opportunities for people in our communities to help have a healthy lifestyle with a fast-casual restaurant,” said Hetzel.
With proven success in Missouri, Hetzel partnered with FRESH Healthy Café owner Jeff Parker to begin marketing franchises across the U.S. The franchise model offers flexible opportunities with the ability to have locations in high-traffic areas, such as airports, malls, sports facilities and more. Additionally, there is an option to have a drive-thru. Catering services also add a revenue stream for franchisees, creating boxed lunches for groups such as sports teams, conferences and schools.
Ultimately, for Hetzel, his goal to grow FRESH Healthy Café in the U.S. is driven by a bigger purpose.
“What we do is purpose-driven,” he said. “It’s through the food we make and provide for people, but also for people who are looking for a purpose like that, to help their community.”
Kelsi Trinidad