Lean Kitchen Company is a fast-growing meal prep franchise focused on health-conscious, ready-to-eat meals. It was founded in 2015 in St. Joseph, Missouri, by entrepreneurs Austin Evans and JR. The company officially opened its first kitchen in 2016 and is currently headquartered in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Franchising began in 2018, with the first franchised unit launched in Guntersville, Alabama. Since then, the brand has expanded across the United States with over 30 locations.

Lean Kitchen offers fresh, chef-prepared meals that are high in protein, free of preservatives, and ready to grab and go. It also sells dietary supplements, offers delivery services, and provides catering options. The business model supports multiple recurring revenue streams.

The franchise stands out by combining quality nutrition with convenience and clean ingredients. Lean Kitchen emphasizes customer wellness, making it popular with people aiming to improve their health and fitness.

Training

Lean Kitchen provides a thorough training structure to prepare franchisees for launching and managing their business effectively. These training programs are mandatory and customized based on roles and experience. Here are the key programs offered:

1. Pre-Opening Training Program
   Lean Kitchen offers a standard pre-opening training program for the Principal Executive, Kitchen Manager, Storefront Manager, and up to two additional employees. This training is conducted at headquarters or a designated Lean Kitchen business, without charging a fee, though franchisees are responsible for travel and related expenses.
2. On-Site Opening Assistance
   At the time of opening, the franchisor provides at least one day of on-site assistance and training at no cost. However, if the franchisee already operates other Lean Kitchen franchises, this support may not be provided for additional locations.
3. Post-Opening Training and Supplemental Sessions
   Lean Kitchen may require further training after opening, involving the Principal Executive or other staff. These sessions can be in various formats and locations, and the franchisor may charge a reasonable fee for attendance.

Territory Protection

Lean Kitchen grants franchisees an exclusive territory, typically a three-mile radius or an area with about 100,000 people. Within this area, the franchisor will not open or license another Lean Kitchen outlet. This provides direct protection from internal brand competition.

However, the franchisor may still sell similar products through other channels or under different trademarks, like its affiliate “Fit Republic.” These activities are allowed within the franchisee's territory and do not violate the exclusivity. Thus, while Lean Kitchen offers protected territory, it is not completely shielded from indirect competition.