Mahana Fresh: Serving Up Sunshine in Every Bowl

Mahana Fresh is a fast-casual restaurant franchise founded in 2018 by Dave Wood, a veteran of the restaurant and franchising industry. It was established and is headquartered in Sarasota, Florida.

The company began franchising the same year it was founded, quickly gaining traction across the U.S. and internationally. Mahana Fresh is on a mission to provide healthy, flavorful meals that cater to diverse dietary needs, including keto, vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian preferences.

The franchise offers a build-your-own-bowl concept featuring gluten-friendly bases, fresh vegetables, proteins, and house-made sauces. Each ingredient is prepared in-house daily to ensure maximum freshness and quality.

The tropical-themed restaurant design enhances the dining experience, aiming to transport guests to a relaxing, positive environment that reflects the meaning of “Mahana”—a Hawaiian word for warmth.

What sets Mahana Fresh apart from competitors is its commitment to clean eating, customizable meals, and a welcoming, upbeat atmosphere.

Training

Mahana Fresh provides a comprehensive training program for its franchisees to ensure consistent and effective restaurant operations. The training includes several structured programs:

1. Initial Training Program: This program is mandatory for the franchisee, their Controlling Person (if an entity), and the designated restaurant manager. It is tuition-free for up to two participants and typically lasts about one week. It is conducted in Sarasota, Florida, or other designated locations and covers all operational aspects using the Operating Manual.
2. Onsite Training Program: Prior to the opening of the franchise location, an additional onsite training session must be completed at the franchisee's restaurant. This hands-on component is essential to reinforce operational standards in the actual business setting.
3. Supplemental or Additional Training: Mahana Fresh may require franchisees or their Controlling Persons to attend further training during the franchise term. These sessions may cost up to $500 each, not including travel and living expenses, and typically do not exceed two days.
4. Optional Staff Training: Franchisees can request training for additional employees at a fee of $500 per person. In cases where further post-opening training is needed for new or replacement staff, the cost rises to $1,000 per week plus expenses.

Territory Protection

Mahana Fresh offers franchisees a defined territory, generally encompassing a one-mile radius in urban areas or a three-mile radius in suburban or rural locations. Within this territory, the franchisor agrees not to establish or license another Mahana Fresh restaurant, provided the franchisee complies with the franchise agreement.

This territory is granted for the duration of the agreement and does not change based on demographic shifts.

However, Mahana Fresh does not guarantee exclusivity in a strict sense. The franchisor reserves the right to operate or license other businesses under different marks within the same territory, including in non-traditional venues such as stadiums, airports, or via alternative channels like online platforms.