After 25 restaurant openings and $35 million in funding in only five years, leading fast-casual chain VERTS Mediterranean Grill opened its second East Coast location in New York City at 24 East 23rd Street on January 13. The Manhattan opening is part of the Texas-based restaurant’s aggressive expansion plan to open over 200 restaurants by 2020.

Driven by millennial co-founders Michael Heyne and Dominik Stein, the fast-casual chain will bring a new lunch and dinner option to New Yorkers consisting of fresh and customizable Mediterranean food such as chef-inspired pitas, salads and bowls. Scratch-made sauces and signature toppings like pickled jalapenos and marinated olives add an extra boost of flavor to any option.

“New York is the epicenter of the food world featuring restaurant concepts from around the globe that cater to a sophisticated and diverse clientele,” says Dominik Stein, CFO and co-founder of VERTS. “Our debut in New York is exciting because we can now showcase our brand to new audiences, taking a very important step toward our expansion into new markets.” 

Serving Manhattan’s Flatiron District and surrounding neighborhoods, the city’s first VERTS restaurant offers a clean, modern aesthetic for a welcoming and comfortable dine-in experience. The restaurant will also offer online ordering available for pickup without waiting in line.

“There’s a spirit and an energy about this city that’s unlike any other,” says Michael Heyne, CEO and co-founder of VERTS. “We’re thrilled to bring our healthy, chef-driven Mediterranean menu to this vibrant culinary community.”