Restaurant entrepreneur Dhvani Vyas signed a franchise agreement with Nature’s Table Café for the Washington, D.C. metro market. Founded in 1977, Nature’s Table is a pioneer in health-conscious dining, with 78 restaurants open in 12 states.

“Dhvani is proof that the American dream still exists; he exemplifies the ideals of the entrepreneurial American spirit,” says Nature’s Table founder, Dick Larsen. “We are honored to have him join the Nature’s Table family. He has already proven himself as a strong operator with Subway restaurants and Aromi d’ Italia Cafe, and I have no doubt he will continue his success with Nature’s Table.”

Born in Ahmedabad, India, a small village with no electricity or running water, Vyas was seven years old when his family immigrated to the U.S. Vyas worked in various retail jobs starting at the age of 14. After graduating from college, Vyas worked in the IT industry and hotel management, and then pursued a career in the restaurant industry as a franchisee consultant for Subway Corporation. In 2007, Vyas opened his own Subway restaurant in Greenbelt, Maryland. In 2009, Vyas created a European café concept, Aromi d’ Italia Cafe, which is now thriving at the prestigious National Harbor Resort development outside Washington, D.C.

“I loved the Nature’s Table concept from the start,” Vyas says. “More now then ever before, people are focused on healthier eating. Other restaurant chains are in a rush to change their menus to be healthier, but Nature’s Table is already there and has been since 1977. The food is delicious and high quality. Rather than grabbing a burger on the run and feeling guilty about it later, D.C. Metro Area residents will be able to get a salad, sandwich, wrap, or fruit smoothie at Nature’s Table and feel good about it.”