Clean Eatz Cafe restaurant Opportunity
Charleston, SC
Charleston, South Carolina is an excellent location for a Clean Eatz franchise because of its growing population, right customer base, and strong fitness culture. The city has a median household income of $90,038, and 79% of households don’t have children. This matches Clean Eatz’s ideal customers: busy professionals with good incomes who want healthy, convenient meals. Charleston has more fitness centers than most cities, with 16 gyms per 100,000 people compared to the national average of 13.2. This shows residents care about staying healthy. Currently, meal prep services only serve 8,000-12,000 customers, but about 45,000 people would likely buy healthy prepared meals. This means there are 3 to 5 potential customers for every current customer. Mount Pleasant is the best location because it has busy roads with over 25,000 cars daily and is close to several fitness centers. This spot would help Clean Eatz reach both local health-focused residents and tourists, since tourism brings $14 billion each year to Charleston’s economy
Ready to Learn More?
Complete this form and we'll email or text you our Exclusive Charleston Research Report within the hour!
"*" indicates required fields
Why Choose Charleston to open your Franchise?
Population Overview
Population: With 152,014 residents in Charleston County and approximately 440,000 in the greater Charleston-North Charleston-Summerville metropolitan area. The region adds approximately 42 new residents daily, growing at three times the U.S. average rate.
Growth Projections: Current population growth of 1.37% annually translates to approximately 15,300 new residents per year.
Income and Employment
Median Household Income: The city’s median household income of $90,038 exceeds Clean Eatz’s target threshold, while the 25-44 age demographic specifically shows a median household income of $98,325.
Key Employment Sectors: Aerospace: Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner production facility employs 7,000+ workers, Tourism and Hospitality: $14 billion economic impact industry, Automotive: Mercedes-Benz Vans manufacturing facility
Education
Educational Attainment: 61.2% of adults over 25 hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, significantly exceeding both state and national averages. This educated demographic typically values quality, authenticity, and health-conscious dining options.
Nearby Institutions: Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC): Premier medical school and research university, College of Charleston: Liberal arts institution with 10,000+ students, The Citadel Military college, Charleston Southern University.
Health and Fitness Culture
Charleston’s fitness infrastructure significantly outperforms national averages, creating an ideal environment for Clean Eatz’s wellness-focused brand. With 16 gyms per 100,000 residents, Charleston ranks 14th among approximately 100 mid-size metropolitan areas.
Major fitness facilities include: MUSC Wellness Center, The Wonderer, Elevate Fitness.
Healthy Dining Market Trends
The meal prep and healthy dining market shows strong growth trajectory. The global meal kit market is growing at 15.3% CAGR toward $25.7 billion by 2025, while the health and fitness club market projects 7.5% annual growth. Charleston’s aboveaverage fitness participation rates suggest local demand outpaces national trends.
Consumer Preferences
Charleston residents demonstrate preferences that align with Clean Eatz’s positioning:
Quality Focus: Appreciation for farm-to-table dining and locally sourced ingredients
Health Consciousness: High gym membership rates and participation in wellness activities
Convenience Priority: Time-pressed professionals willing to pay premium for convenience
Local Competition
Local Competition Analysis Current meal prep competitors include:
JustFit Kitchen: Charleston-based meal delivery service led by former Division 1 athlete with strong fitness community connections.
Project LeanNation: Multiple location meal prep service with approximately 2,000+ customers.
My Charleston Chef: Boutique meal delivery focusing on locally sourced ingredients
Community Characteristics
Charleston maintains a strong sense of community identity centered around historic preservation, culinary excellence, and outdoor recreation. The city’s nickname as “America’s Best Culinary Destination” reflects residents’ appreciation for quality food experiences. Annual events like the Charleston Wine + Food Festival generate $32 million in economic impact, demonstrating the market’s sophisticated palate and willingness to invest in premium food experiences.
Strategic Advantages for Clean Eatz
Market Size and Growth Potential
Brand Recognition: Growing presence in North Carolina and South Carolina creating regional brand awareness, Fitness Center Partnerships: Proximity to 16+ gyms creates co-marketing opportunities.
Comprehensive Service Model
Only concept offering dine-in, grab-and-go, meal plans, catering, and retail in single location. Price Competitive: $8.99 meal pricing versus $10-12 for national meal kit services
Demographic Alignment
Charleston's demographic profile provides exceptional alignment with Clean Eatz's target market. The combination of 79% childless households, $90,038 median household income, and above-average fitness participation creates ideal conditions for Clean Eatz's wellness-focused, convenience-driven service model.
Proven Franchise System
Proven Franchise System: $1.08 million average unit volume with established operational procedures. Corporate Wellness Programs: Major employers like MUSC, Boeing, and MercedesBenz offer catering opportunities
Tourism Market Leverage
Charleston's $14 billion tourism industry provides additional revenue opportunities through grab-and-go services targeting health-conscious visitors seeking convenient, quality dining options during their stay.
what do our Franchisees Say About Clean Eatz?
Ready to Learn More About Becoming a local
Clean Eatz Franchise Partner?
Charleston, SC offers a prime market for Clean Eatz expansion, with ideal demographics and strong demand. The city features a 79% childless household rate, $90,038 median income, and a robust fitness infrastructure. Existing meal prep services reach only 8,000–12,000 of an estimated 45,000 health-conscious consumers, showing a favorable 3.75–5.6:1 demand ratio. Charleston’s wellness culture, tourism growth, and economic strength enhance its appeal. Mount Pleasant stands out as the best location, offering high visibility near fitness centers and aligning perfectly with Clean Eatz’s proven model.