New West Coast, healthy-eating, fast-casual restaurant coming to Lexington
A new restaurant focused on making healthy eating easier is coming to Lexington.
LeanFeast is opening its first location in Kentucky and franchise owner Collins Youngblood said he selected Lexington after he found a nearly perfect location at 220 Ruccio Way, off of West Reynolds Road by Meijer, in the spot formerly occupied by Bruster’s Ice Cream.
Youngblood said that LeanFeast is “a fast casual-hybrid between Chipotle and Subway. You pick your protein, pick your carb, pick your veg and you’re out the door.”
The food comes completely cooked and ready to reheat, with a selection of sauces available, including Black Cherry BBQ, Honey Ginger Soy, teriyaki, marinara and more.
LeanFeast was founded in 2015 by chef Eric Larosa in California as an easy way to eat healthy. The menu typically offers 23 flavors of protein, 13 vegetable options and six carbohydrates, with options to meet just about any dietary restrictions from gluten-free to plant-based, according to its web site.
Youngblood said he hopes to open the Lexington restaurant in mid-January, with a soft opening. A grand opening will follow after the coronavirus pandemic eases.
Depending on the COVID restrictions at the time of opening, Youngblood said LeanFeast may be carry-out only in the beginning. He said that he plans to be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 6 p.m.
LeanFeast serves breakfast as well as lunch and dinner, also offers smoothies, and Youngblood said he is hoping to partner with Nutrishop on protein supplements.
Youngblood said he began looking for an alternative to fast food when he was traveling as a sales engineer. Now he’s opening LeanFeast to give the community a tasty and healthy option.
He hopes to have a nutritionist on staff who can talk with customers about individual needs.
This is his first foray into restaurants, he said, “but I love to cook. I’m at peace in the kitchen.”
LeanFeast will occupy a 1,678-square-foot corner of Ruccio Pavilion, a shopping center managed by NAI Isaac, which facilitated the lease. The shopping center also is home to Mr. Brews Taphouse.
This story was originally published November 17, 2020 at 6:00 AM.
