North Carolina diners looking for affordable, fresh, fast-casual fare now have a new option. Atlanta–based Fresh To Order brings its “fast-fine” dining concept to the Tar Heel State with its first opening in Charlotte by the month’s end. Located in Carolina Place Mall, it will be the first of eight restaurants scheduled to open in Charlotte over the next five years.
North Carolina’s first Fresh to Order is owned and operated by JNR Restaurant Group LLC, a Charlotte-based hospitality holding group that operates additional restaurant concepts and a sizeable hotel portfolio. JNR plans to open two additional units in the city, while another Charlotte franchisee, Real Restaurant Group, plans on five more.
“There are many, many restaurants to choose from in Charlotte, a city with rich diversity in food choices. But we believe there is a place for the type of fresh, flavorful and healthy food that Fresh To Order offers,” says Pierre Panos, founder and CEO of Fresh To Order and a veteran restaurateur. “As the pioneer of fast-fine niche, our menu fills the need for affordable, great-tasting food that you can feel good about eating, which is what differentiates us from other fast-casual and quick-service options. It’s why experienced franchisees like JNR are partnering with us.”
At the heart of Fresh To Order’s seasonal-driven, chef-inspired menu are premium ingredients and freshly made dishes most often associated with full-service dining, such as crushed almond-crusted tuna steak, brown sugar-roasted pork loin and handmade black bean, bison, and tuna burgers. Fresh To Order offers these choices along with a variety of soups, salads, and sandwiches in less than 10 minutes for around $10. In addition, Fresh To Order is a member of the National Restaurant Association's Kids LiveWell program, which is designed to help parents make the healthful choice for their children when dining out. Fresh to Order focuses on healthier, flavorful menu choices and features an open-kitchen set-up.
"What we want to show Charlotte is that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or your wellbeing to enjoy a fast, affordable meal,” Panos says. “Fresh to Order is on a mission to provide an elevated level of service and menu options at a fast-casual price to guests across the country.”
Recent openings include Greenville, South Carolina and Knoxville, Tennessee. Units can also be found in non-traditional venues such as the CNN Center in Atlanta and in Concourse B at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
