Protein Bar & Kitchen, an American fast-casual restaurant brand, has unveiled its ambitious plan to open 100 new locations in the next five years as part of its expansion strategy.

The company intends to establish its new locations using a more streamlined franchise model with a smaller physical footprint.

The restaurant brand also stated that the new model will enable various dining options, including dine-in, carry-out, delivery, mobile app and online ordering, as well as catering services.

Protein Bar & Kitchen president and CEO Jeff Drake said, “After taking the past few years to re-think and perfect our franchise model and our brand post-pandemic, it’s a huge milestone for us to officially re-announce franchising.

‘It’s all come together, with customer loyalty rates and AUVs proving the adjustments to the menu, modernized and brightened décor and ordering convenience platforms are all working.”

The fast-casual restaurant brand plans to introduce its diverse menu, featuring protein shakes, smoothies, breakfast scrambles, high-protein salads, wraps, and customizable bowls suitable for various dietary preferences, to markets beyond Chicago.

Initially, the primary focus for Protein Bar & Kitchen will be directed toward Illinois and its neighboring states, while subsequent growth is anticipated in the southeastern region.

Drake added, “Our inclusive positioning focuses on the idea that everyone wants ‘to be a little better’ in some way, and we can help by offering options to accommodate dietary restrictions and diet choices, including gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, keto-friendly, low-carb, high-carb, or paleo-friendly.

“There’s something for ‘every BODY.’ For franchisees, that type of inclusivity opens the doors to a wider variety of customers and eliminates a need for niche marketing.”

Protein Bar & Kitchen has also established a presence in unconventional settings such as hospitals, educational campuses, and airports.

Recently, the brand has inked licensing agreements to launch locations at O’Hare, LaGuardia, and Salt Lake City airports.