Balance Pan‑Asian Grille is a vibrant fast‑casual franchise founded in 2011 by University of Toledo graduates HoChan “CJ” Jang and Prakash Karamchandani in Maumee and Toledo, Ohio. The brand is headquartered at 215 N. Summit Street, Toledo, OH, under Balance Franchise Group LLC, which officially incorporated in October 2021.

It launched franchising in early 2022 and has grown to six units by 2024, with new development deals covering multiple U.S. states.

Balance serves build‑a‑bowl meals, Asian‑fusion tacos, snacks, and hand‑shaken bubble teas, all made fresh-to-order using biodegradable packaging and seasonal ingredients from its own aquaponics farm.

Its menu focuses on wholesome, customizable options—such as plant‑based bowls and unique teas like butterfly‑leaf lavender drinks—appealing to health‑ and flavor‑conscious diners.

The franchise differentiates itself with a tech‑forward and people‑centric model. It offers kiosk and app‑based ordering, a loyalty app recognized by industry leaders, and digital tools for inventory and shift‑management—creating a near “managerless” operation that empowers employees and reduces turnover.

Training

Balance Pan-Asian Grille provides a structured training regimen to ensure that franchisees are adequately prepared to operate their locations successfully. Below is a numbered summary of the key training programs offered:

1. Initial Training Program: This includes both classroom and on-the-job training totaling up to 180 hours, with a minimum of 120 hours of on-the-job instruction. Training is conducted at the franchisor's headquarters or a designated training location.
2. Training for Managing Owner and General Manager: Both the franchisee (or managing owner) and the designated general manager must attend and successfully complete the entire training program. Additional trainees can attend only with prior written approval.
3. Training Topics Covered: The curriculum includes product preparation, customer service, equipment operation, inventory management, daily operations, food safety, employee management, and marketing strategies.
4. Ongoing and Additional Training: The franchisor may require attendance at refresher courses, annual conventions, or other educational sessions to maintain high standards and adapt to new practices.

Territory Protection

Balance Pan-Asian Grille provides a limited form of territorial protection to its franchisees. Franchisees are granted a defined Protected Territory in which the franchisor agrees not to establish or authorize another Balance Pan-Asian Grille restaurant.

However, this protection only applies as long as the franchisee remains in full compliance with the franchise agreement and operates from the specified approved location.

The Protected Territory does not grant exclusivity for all sales channels, as the franchisor retains the right to engage in non-traditional distribution methods such as online sales, catering, or selling through grocery or convenience stores.