Clean Eatz, which launched in 2011 and started franchising in 2015, was co-founded by husband-and-wife duo Don and Evonne Varady. They are heart-driven to “Change Livez” through clean, balanced food, thought-provoking education, and motivational support that inspires results. They know personal wellness is not one-size-fits-all, so they craft nutritional products and fitness opportunities that meet the needs of every type of lifestyle. Clean Eatz isn’t a company, they are a community, and that is certainly something that sets them apart in the industry. Most think that they are just a cafe and sell food but they are in the business of changing “livez”!
Key Takeaways:
[2:19] – Don and Evonne are a husband and wife duo. They share their background and how they began this business.
[4:40] – The idea came from Evonne’s passion for health and fitness.
[6:22] – Clean Eatz began franchising in 2015 with the help of an investor.
[9:14] – Don explains that Evonne came into his life at a fateful time.
[11:13] – Don filed bankruptcy and started over.
[12:19] – For about two years, Don and Evonne actually lived in the restaurant.
[15:19] – They were broke when they moved and social media marketing wasn’t a luxury they had. Evonne describes some of the things they did to get the word out.
[18:31] – Before launching Clean Eatz in North Carolina, the boundaries and roles were already set.
[20:10] – Opening multiple locations hadn’t occurred to Don and Evonne until about 2 years in.
[22:07] – Oftentimes, the founders are not the ones who initially consider franchising.
[23:18] – Evonne describes the beginning of the franchise process and the learning curve she experienced.
[25:17] – Franchising is all about investing in people.
[27:39] – Culture is earned.
[29:04] – Principle over convenience.
[31:22] – It starts with the customer, and you need to get to know them.
[34:03] – At the time of this podcast recording, there are 92 locations ready to get going.
[35:06] – Don describes the ideal franchisees for Clean Eatz.
[37:23] – Check your ego at the door and continue to be humble.
