Evergreens is expanding beyond its Pacific Northwest roots with the launch of a new franchise program targeting markets across the Western United States. After establishing a strong regional presence over the past decade, the Seattle-based fast casual brand plans to introduce its lineup of fresh salads, wraps and grain bowls to communities in Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming, bringing its health-focused concept to a broader customer base.
Founded in 2012, Evergreens has refined its business model through the operation of 14 company-owned restaurants across Washington and Oregon. President and CEO Neil Harfert said the company has spent years perfecting both its menu and operating systems before opening the brand to franchise investment. Designed for efficiency, Evergreens restaurants operate without traditional ventilation hoods and require footprints of only 1,000 to 1,700 square feet, creating greater flexibility for development in both urban centers and suburban neighborhoods while lowering build-out costs.
The franchise opportunity is supported by encouraging financial performance. According to the company, its highest-performing locations generated average annual sales exceeding $1.45 million in 2025. Evergreens is also introducing reduced royalty rates for qualifying franchisees, reinforcing its strategy to attract experienced operators seeking opportunities in the rapidly growing healthy dining segment. The brand believes increasing consumer demand for fresh, customizable meals positions it well for sustained expansion throughout the region.
As Evergreens grows into new markets, maintaining consistent operating standards across every restaurant will become increasingly important. Platforms like Gorilla Dash support expanding franchise systems through a centralized Knowledge Base, giving franchisees and managers access to training materials, operating procedures and brand documentation from a single location. Centralized resources can help ensure new operators deliver a consistent guest experience while reducing the complexity that often accompanies multi-unit growth.
With a proven operating model, flexible restaurant design and a measured approach to franchise development, Evergreens is positioning itself for long-term expansion across the Western United States. The combination of operational simplicity, attractive unit economics and structured franchise support reflects the brand's ambition to build a scalable network while meeting rising consumer demand for healthier fast casual dining.