Healthy fast-food franchise accelerates nationwide growth following breakout year
Coeur d’Alene, ID (RestaurantNews.com) Konala, the healthy fast-food franchise serving high-protein bowls, has signed a new 25-unit development agreement covering 10 locations in Northern Utah and 15 in the greater Boise, Idaho market. The deal is led by Speedy Foods LLC, a franchise group with extensive franchising experience.
“This concept checks every box for where the industry is heading,” said a spokesperson for Speedy Foods LLC. “Konala’s model is simple to operate, scalable, and delivers the kind of healthy, high-protein meals customers are actively seeking. We believe Konala has the potential to become the next major player in the drive-thru category, and we’re excited to help lead its growth across Utah and Idaho.”
Since launching franchising with Fransmart in September 2024, Konala has rapidly expanded its national footprint with seasoned operators from brands like Subway, Jersey Mikes, and Crumbl across the country. They have a total of 40 franchise units signed across new franchise commitments in Utah, Idaho, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and California and are on track to end the year with nearly 50 units in development.
Konala continues to open corporate locations as well. In addition to the Spokane location that opened this year, they have signed two new leases for locations to open in 2026: one in Spokane, WA near across from Gonzaga University and one in Reno, NV, breaking ground in that state. As well as franchise leases have been signed in Provo, UT and Belleville, NJ.
To prepare for rapid expansion, Konala has been building the type of infrastructure rarely seen at this stage of a franchise brand’s life cycle. One of the company’s most significant moves was signing Citadel Development – the national developer behind 7 Brew, Torchy’s and Smalls Sliders – to lead due diligence, design, and full project management across its pipeline, creating a consistent and repeatable development process as the brand scales into multiple states. Konala also continues working with development companies such as Omni Capital Development for funding support, build-to-suit projects, and real estate scouting. Internally, the brand has strengthened its operations with technology platforms including Toast POS, Homebase, XtraCHEF, and Delightree, and has standardized its supply chain through US Foods, multiple co-packers, and Clark National Accounts (Webstaurant). Konala has expanded financing pathways for franchisees through Celtic Bank and Franchise Loan Direct as well.
To support this growth, the company has also added key corporate roles, including a Chief of Staff a Marketing Manager, and multiple corporate trainers, ensuring Konala has the leadership and systems in place for large-scale expansion.
Konala’s compact, drive-thru focused model, offers customizable, high-protein bowls and healthy snacks – providing a modern alternative to traditional fast food. With bowls containing up to 54 grams of protein and a simple menu with a kitchen free of fryers, flattops, and grills. Konala is built for speed, efficiency, and giving consumers quick access to healthy protein-focused options.
“Our growth this year has been driven by experienced operators who see exactly where fast food is going,” said Trace Miller, Founder and CEO of Konala. “Consumers want food that fuels them; franchisees want a model designed for scale. This 25-unit commitment reinforces that Konala delivers both.”
Ideal franchisees are experienced operators or health-conscious entrepreneurs ready to grow a modern, scalable brand. Franchise inquiries can be submitted online at KonalaFranchise.com.
About Konala
Founded in 2023 by Trace and Jammie Miller, Konala (Pronounced: Koe-Nah-Luh) is redefining fast food with a focus on healthy, flavorful protein bowls served through a convenient drive-thru model. Inspired by their own commitment to a fit lifestyle and named after their two rescue dogs, Kona and Nala, Konala offers a menu packed with a variety of flavor profiles and nutritious options like Teriyaki Chicken, Greek Steak, and Chicken Burrito Bowls, with some bowls containing up to 54 grams of protein. Guests can choose from bases like white or brown rice, greens, or a mix of both. Entirely gluten-free and free of fryers, grills, and a traditional hot greasy kitchen, Konala stands out in a market saturated with less healthy options. With online ordering, third-party delivery, and outdoor seating, Konala makes healthy eating both delicious and convenient.
About Fransmart
As the leading franchise development firm in the country, Fransmart turns emerging restaurant concepts into successful national and global brands. Founded by Dan Rowe, the man who identified and grew brands such as Five Guys Burgers & Fries and QDOBA Mexican Grill from single unit businesses to the powerhouse chains they are today. Fransmart’s current and past franchise development portfolio brands have opened more than 5,000 restaurants worldwide. For more information, visit Fransmart.com.
Contact:
Lynnea Morano
Marketing Director
Fransmart
lynnea@fransmart.com
480-861-5125
