Health Food

National health-focused restaurant chain combines nutrition, education and community support in transformative wellness program

WILMINGTON, N.C. — Clean Eatz, the rapidly growing, health-focused restaurant brand, has launched its 2025 We Change Livez Challenge, offering participants the chance to win up to $15,000 and six months of Clean Eatz meals while working toward sustainable health goals.

The challenge, running from Jan. 13-Feb. 10, provides participants with weekly support and nutritional guidance throughout their journey to better health. Participants will receive tiered workout plans, educational resources and meal options designed to accommodate their fitness goals and dietary preferences.

“The We Change Livez Challenge embodies our commitment to making healthy living accessible, convenient and sustainable for everyone,” said Evonne Varady, Clean Eatz co-founder. “We’re not just offering meals; we’re providing a supportive community and tools needed for lasting lifestyle changes. This challenge represents our belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to transform their lives through better nutrition and wellness education.”

The challenge features a three-day retreat Jan. 24-26, 2025, in Wilmington, North Carolina. Participants will connect with fellow challengers and develop personalized action plans during this in-person event.

Participants will chronicle their transformation journey, culminating in a final video submission between Feb. 7 and Feb. 10. A committee of Clean Eatz corporate leaders will evaluate each challenger’s progress and engagement throughout the program to select 10 finalists. Through online public voting, one participant will emerge as the grand prize winner.

Founded in 2011 by husband-and-wife team Don and Evonne Varady, Clean Eatz has expanded to more than 100 locations across 23 states. The brand focuses on providing affordable, convenient, healthy eating options through dine-in service, grab-n-go meal prep, catering and meal plan programs.

Participants can register for the 2025 We Change Livez Challenge at cleaneatz.com/wechangelivez and register for the retreat by visiting merch.cleaneatz.com/products/wechangelivez-retreat-2025.

Eric Wyatt to fuel expansion and innovation

WILMINGTON, N.C. — Clean Eatz, a health-focused lifestyle brand and meal plan franchise, has appointed 30-year restaurant and retail industry leader Eric Wyatt as the first CEO of the mission-driven, founder-led brand.

Wyatt most recently served as CEO of California-based NORMS Restaurants and has held C-level leadership roles at Boston Market and Corner Bakery Cafe. He also held senior positions at Hardee’s Restaurants, Panera Bread and Starbucks, where he consistently demonstrated his ability to mentor and support team members, improve operational efficiency and lead successful market expansions.

At Clean Eatz, Wyatt will focus on expanding the brand’s footprint across the United States through strategic innovation, operational excellence and franchise growth. His personal journey to healthier living, spurred by his recent full knee replacement surgery, resonates strongly with the values and mission of Clean Eatz.

“Eric’s journey brings our founding mission to life: living a healthier life by making healthier choices. In combination with his extensive industry experience, it makes him an excellent choice to grow our brand,” said Evonne Varady, Clean Eatz co-founder. “His ability to translate his personal commitment to wellness into leadership and innovation is exactly what we need as we entrust him to lead our brand through this dynamic time.”

During his first 90 days, Wyatt plans to prioritize building relationships with franchisees, the Support Center Team and Clean Eatz Kitchen Distribution Centers, reinforcing the company’s commitment to its partners.

“Serving as the first CEO of Clean Eatz is a unique opportunity to leverage my restaurant experience and empower others to embrace healthier lifestyles,” said Wyatt. “The synergy between Clean Eatz’s mission and my background will help elevate the brand and drive innovation, strengthening our commitment to bringing healthy eating from coast to coast.”

Under Wyatt’s leadership, Clean Eatz will be positioned to attract highly qualified new business leads and strengthen its expanding franchise network. He will work to enhance support systems, resources and profitability for franchisees, ensuring that Clean Eatz continues to thrive in the health and wellness market.

Clean Eatz is currently seeking new franchise candidates to expand nationwide and throughout key states, including Delaware, Massachusetts and Utah. For more information on bringing healthier, convenient eating to your area, visit www.cleaneatz.com/franchise.

Fast-growing brand expands national footprint, cements leadership in healthier eating

WILMINGTON, N.C. — Clean Eatz, a health-focused lifestyle brand and meal plan franchise, wrapped Q3 with a celebration of its growth and brand achievements as well as individual franchisee excellence at its 2024 Clean Eatz Franchisee Conference.

The annual event, attended by nearly 100 franchisees and corporate team members, raised almost $50k for the brand’s Clean Eatz Foundation and highlighted top-performing franchisees with performance-based accolades, including:

• Franchisee of the Year: Matt Hall and Candace Gilbert (Louisville, Kentucky) — Awarded for achieving the highest gross revenue with the highest profit margin.
• Rookie Franchisee of the Year: Gary Shaklee (Cheyenne, Wyoming) — Recognized for the highest gross revenue during the first 90 days of business in 2023.
• Multi-Unit Franchisee of the Year: Anna Dey (Westlake and Mentor, Ohio) — Acknowledged for maintaining the highest EBITDA-to-revenue percentage and best audit scores.

In addition to the awards, Clean Eatz shared growth updates with attendees. It has maintained its momentum in 2024, opening 14 new locations year-to-date, with plans for six additional openings before the end of the year. Q3 saw the opening of two new stores, further cementing the brand’s reputation as a leader in the health food restaurant space.

“Our growth can be attributed to a strong business model, outstanding franchisees who share our vision and a strong demand for the product we offer — healthier lifestyles,” said Evonne Varady, Clean Eatz co-founder. “We look forward to finishing out the year strong, with more openings planned as we spread our mission to provide healthy, convenient options to new cities from coast to coast.”

Clean Eatz is actively seeking potential new franchisees nationwide and in territory markets in key states including Delaware, Massachusetts and Utah. For more information on bringing healthier, convenient eating to your area, visit www.cleaneatz.com/franchise.

Health Food Franchise Plans Fresh Initiatives to Bring America’s Youth into the Clean Eating Conversation

WILMINGTON, N.C. — The Clean Eatz Foundation, which acts as the charitable arm for the award-winning Clean Eatz health food franchise and meal delivery brand, is on a mission to raise awareness and money for efforts combating childhood obesity. Funds are raised through a series of nationwide campaigns and initiatives, and earmarked for purposes meant to further the foundations mission.

After raising $45,000 at their annual franchise conference late last year, a partnership was formed with Camp Pocono Trails, a health and wellness summer camp, wherein Clean Eatz financed the camp fees for 10 kids from around the country. And this month marks the foundation’s 2^nd annual Go Bananaz smoothie campaign; a month-long fundraiser that commits a portion of sales from the limited-edition smoothie to the foundation’s efforts, which in 2025 will include helping to pay for the college tuition of five different students entering into health and wellness-related fields of study.

“America’s youth have historically been a demographic left out of the conversation when it comes to dietary habits, health risks of improper nutrition, and obesity. To see that reality flipped little by little through each of our foundation’s initiatives makes me incredibly hopeful in the possibility of a more health-conscious future,” said Evonne Varady, Co-founder of Clean Eatz. “The new efforts we have planned ahead will only further that, and just in time to kick off National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month in a couple of weeks.”

The success and impact of the foundations campaigns and partnerships each serve as a significant springboard for future endeavors targeting childhood obesity. Endeavors that will only grow in scope and scale as the Clean Eatz franchise continues to expand its reach and develop its footprint in markets nationwide.

In the meantime, those wanting to find their nearest Clean Eatz location can visit https://locations.cleaneatz.com/.

Leading Health Food Franchise Keeps Clean Eating Top of Mind with New Meals and Fresh Flavors

WILMINGTON, N.C. — Clean Eatz, America’s leading health food restaurant and online meal plan franchise, is keeping its chef-inspired, nutritionist-approved meals and flavors top of mind for consumers nationwide with the launch of a new menu overhaul, which began rolling out July 5^th.

“Our guests have spoken loud and clear. They want more protein and vegetable options for our bowls, different sauces, traditional burger styles, and updated wraps,” Clean Eatz Co-founder Evonne Varady shared. “Through use of focus groups and customer feedback, our team is confident this menu will enhance the brand’s profile in restaurant scenes nationwide.”

These new menu creations will include fresh and delectable options for those guests wanting to dine in or Grab N Go; mouth-watering, health-conscious substitutes to fit even the most hectic lifestyles:

• Bunless Burger – Reduce the “dough” and increase the flavor this summer and beyond with the new Clean Eatz bunless burger: featuring grilled mushrooms, mozzarella cheese, vine ripe tomatoes, and potato fries.
• Turkey Burnt End Cuban – A natural hickory-smoked turkey burnt end that adds complexity to the bowl category and delivers on a guest favorite LTO offering in the “Cuban Flatbread”. All without sacrificing the macronutrients attributed to pork products.
• Raspberry Lemonade Smoothie – Summertime never tasted so sweet with an all new Clean Eatz vanilla whey protein smoothie, blended with tart raspberry and lemonade for a tangy and refreshing treat.
• Mango Peach Lemonade Smoothie – A refreshingly light pairing of vanilla whey protein, mango, peach, and lemonade to provide the full flavor of summer in one cup.
• Green Tea Lemonade – As part of a summertime LTO with Chike, this newest addition to the beverage menu includes green tea packed with over 15 grams of protein, no added sugar, and 100mg of caffeine.
• Southwest Bison Wrap – A combination of premium lean bison, Clean Eatz Chipotle Ranch Sauce, low-sodium queso, corn and black bean blend, tomato, and lettuce – all in a fresh whole wheat wrap.

With 100+ restaurants in operations across the country, Clean Eatz is a bonafide QSR staple for millions. To find the franchise location nearest you, visit https://locations.cleaneatz.com/. And if you’re interested in bringing these unique flavors to your area, check out what franchise opportunities exist with the brand at cleaneatz.com/franchise.

Health Food Franchise Launches New Product Line to Make Premium Meats Available Nationwide

WILMINGTON, N.C. — Clean Eatz Kitchen, one of the country’s leading meal delivery service providers, announced the launch of their latest product line, ‘Just the Meatz’, which comes in response to one of their customers’ longest-standing requests: access to their delicious, high-quality meats without any of the accompanying fixings. For the first time, fans of the brand can order protein in bulk, including house-prepared brisket, BBQ pulled chicken, shredded beef, steak strips, diced chicken, and honey garlic chicken.

By selling their premium, pre-cooked meats alone, Clean Eatz Kitchen is giving customers the unabated ability to customize their meals; helping them to create and enjoy health-conscious, balanced dished featuring their favorite carbs and proteins.

“Our culinary team takes pride in the flavors and innovations that we’ve debuted to families and individuals across the country. But often, we’ve found customers want to create for themselves, or devise entire meal plans that perfectly suit their unique preferences,” said Jason Nista, CEO of Clean Eatz Kitchen. “This offering, making our line of meats available in this manner, will make that possible for the very first time.”

The difficulty that many have when it comes to maintaining a well-balanced diet commonly boils down to the lack of accessible, affordable health food available in local communities. Clean Eatz Kitchen was established as a means to offset such difficulties, and the debut of its ‘Just the Meatz’ line is in furtherance of that.

“The focus of Clean Eatz Kitchen is on providing nutritious, delicious food choices that fit the high-paced lifestyle of just about anyone, without sacrificing quality or experience,” Nista continued. “No matter your location, with the click of a button, Clean Eatz Kitchen can show up at your front door, making mealtime easier and healthier than ever.”

To learn more about Clean Eatz Kitchen and it’s new ‘Just the Meatz’ offering, visit their online store here.

Augusta Resident Finds Renewed Health During Annual National Weight Loss Competition

WILMINGTON, N.C. — The Clean Eatz team traveled out to Augusta, Georgia, recently to celebrate the culmination of this year’s We Change Livez (WCL) Challenge by surprising John Edward Johnson with news that he had been selected as 2024’s grand prize winner. With the emotional announcement came a check for $25,000; a reward for the insights and motivation that Johnson’s personal health journey offered millions throughout the country.

Johnson has struggled with weight management for the majority of his life. His adherence to dietary and exercise programs had always turned up fruitless, leaving him at 440 pounds, and in fear for his well-being. “Health complications run in the family, and actually took both of my parents from me some years back,” Johnson shared in an interview. “Truth be told, I had given up on losing weight. I was so discouraged with past experiences that required me to pour in all of this time and energy, only to end up right where I started.”

Back in 2014, Johnson began experiencing his own health complications, and after a visit with his endocrinologist, it was revealed he had a brain tumor, which would require he stay on medication for the remainder of his life. The diagnosis motivated him to reengage with his health goals, and to help with that, a good friend introduced him to Clean Eatz. It’s there he learned what proper nutrition actually looked like, and how delicious it could be. To date, he’s lost 170 pounds, and points to the franchise as the primary reason.

“I don’t know where I would be today without Clean Eatz and my amazing friend that introduced me to what’s now my favorite place to eat,” said Johnson. “Gaining control over my nutritional needs in a way that makes it super easy to stay on track and never really lose interest has definitely been a life changer.”

Over the course of three months, the We Change Livez Challenge inspired thousands of people to document their health journeys, and the role that Clean Eatz played in them, over social media. Each Clean Eatz franchise location awarded a member of their home community with 12 weeks’ worth of meals, but every year, only one is selected to receive the grand prize.

“Six years into the Challenge and I’m still in such awe of the stories we hear year in and year out about people believing in themselves and changing their own lives for the better,” said Clean Eatz Co-Founder Evonne Varady. “John’s story was emotional and inspirational. No matter what life threw at him, he never quit. He leaned into his friends and challenged himself to live a longer, healthier life. We’re extremely proud to have been a part of his journey and we’re honored to award him with the grand prize.”

To learn more about the We Change Livez Challenge or to find a local Clean Eatz near you, visit CleanEatz.com. For franchising opportunities, please visit CleanEatz.com/franchise.

Health Food Franchise Debuts New LTO and Menu Innovations

WILMINGTON, N.C. — Clean Eatz, America’s leading health food restaurant and online meal plan franchise, has announced a variety of menu updates that will add to their cafes meal options and continue to stoke the brand’s presence in the online retail space for consumers nationwide. They include the limited-time addition of a Chipotle Chicken Mac & Cheese Bowl, the introduction of Lifestyle Waterz, and two new Protein Popcorn flavors.

Cheesy and bold are two words that describe the new Chipotle Chicken Mac & Cheese, which is available in all Clean Eatz Cafes until the end of April. The signature bowl consists of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, creamy queso cheese, whole grain pasta, and Clean Eatz Chipotle ranch sauce. Boldly seasoned, this spin on a classic dish proves you can eat Sunday dinner any day of the week. 408 calories, 8 grams of fat, 39 grams of carbs, and 45 grams of protein.

The new variety line of Lifestyle Waterz are a real thirst quencher, containing electrolytes, an immunity blend, and antioxidants, complete with zero calories or sugars. There are a total of 4 mouth-watering flavors: Tropical twist, watermelon, lemonade, and strawberry kiwi.

Kettle Corn and Churro have officially joined the Clean Eatz Healthy Protein Popcorn flavor selection. The innovative retail items, available for purchase online, are made with premium ingredients and packed with protein, and the perfect snack for health-conscious individuals who crave a tasty treat without compromising their nutritional goals.

“We’re constantly on the lookout to keep up with consumer food trends and purchasing preferences, which is what has fueled the creation of many of our fan-favorite menu items,” said Clean Eatz Co-Founder Evonne Varady. “It’s also what launched Clean Eatz into the retail space not long ago; what we saw as a natural progression towards making our health-conscious, affordable health foods as accessible to the masses as possible.”

To learn more about how you can bring Clean Eatz to your community, visit https://cleaneatz.com/franchise.

Health Food Franchise Puts Up $25,000 for 6^th Annual Nationwide Fitness Competition

WILMINGTON, N.C. — Clean Eatz, America’s leading health food restaurant and online meal plan franchise, is getting ready to kick off its annual WeChangeLivez (WCL) Challenge. This year, the franchise will be giving away 12 weeks’ worth of meals to a participant in every Clean Eatz community around the country. And each of those local winners will be entered to receive the grand prize of $25,000.

The challenge encourages participants to use the two-month duration between Jan. 15 and March 15 to better themselves, physically and mentally, in an effort to reshape their lifestyle and lead their best lives. Signups open on January first, with all winners being announced in early April.

“I have the WCL Challenge to thank for giving me a community and a support system that helped drive me to this point in my personal health journey, where I’ve lost 108 pounds and counting,” said Ashley Hedrick, winner of the 2023 WCL Challenge. “The competition didn’t pit contestants against one another. It connected us with men and women chasing a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle. And the results that came from it were beyond anything you could imagine!”

With 100-plus cafés currently open nationwide, Clean Eatz is operational in more communities now than ever before. As a result, their team expects this year’s WCL Challenge to be the largest and most inclusive to-date.

“This Challenge has really snowballed over the last five years, and every time we’re absolutely overwhelmed by the stories of change,” said Clean Eatz Co-founder Evonne Varady. “We want everyone to see what the WCL movement is all about. It’s not an overnight-change, ‘got-to-be-the-best’ push. It’s about believing in yourself, giving yourself a chance, and inspiring others through your hustle to do the same.”

Those interested in participating can sign up online at www.CleanEatz.com, or by stopping by their local Clean Eatz. Once registered, participants should share their efforts on Facebook and Instagram, tagging posts with #wechangelivez to be considered for the prize meals and $25k.