Protein Bar & Kitchen is a fast-casual restaurant brand founded in 2009 in Chicago by entrepreneur Matt Matros. It began in a small downtown location with a vision to serve nutritious, protein-packed shakes and meals for busy, health-conscious customers.

Over time, the menu grew to include bowls, wraps, salads, smoothies, and breakfast items, all customizable and catering to a variety of diets including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free. The company is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

In May 2023, Protein Bar & Kitchen began franchising through Protein Bar and Kitchen Franchising, LLC. Just a month later, it signed its first multi-unit franchise agreement, launching a new location in Crown Point, Indiana.

The franchise stands out with a unique, streamlined kitchen design that requires no grills, fryers, or gas lines. Its efficient model supports multiple service formats including dine-in, takeout, delivery, online ordering, and catering—maximizing daily traffic and revenue opportunities.

Training

Protein Bar & Kitchen provides a detailed and structured training program to equip franchisees with the knowledge and skills necessary for operating their businesses effectively. The training programs include the following:

1. Initial Training Program: This consists of 240 hours of on-the-job training at a designated training facility in Chicago, IL. It includes 90 hours of back-of-house training, 30 hours of front-of-house training, and 120 hours of assignment weeks, where trainees manage operations under supervision.
2. Designated Manager Training: The franchisee’s Designated Manager must be approved by Protein Bar & Kitchen and complete the Initial Training Program. They are also required to meet educational and experience standards and may need certifications such as ServSafe.
3. Refresher and Additional Training: The franchisor may require attendance at annual conferences and periodic training sessions. These are held at designated times and locations, and the franchisee must bear associated costs.

Territory Protection

Protein Bar & Kitchen grants franchisees a Protected Territory tied to their approved business premises. Within this area, as long as the franchisee complies with the terms of the Franchise Agreement, no other Protein Bar & Kitchen location will be authorized.

The boundaries of the Protected Territory are defined at the time the premises are approved and may be influenced by factors such as population density, neighborhood characteristics, traffic flow, and proximity to competing businesses.