Clean Eatz CAFE
Restaurant Opportunity
St. Louis, MO
St. Louis offers great chances for Clean Eatz to succeed: The region has 2.81 million people and steady job growth. Key target areas like Clayton and Chesterfield have our ideal customers. These areas have high incomes and health-focused residents. The market has few major competitors right now. This creates a strong opportunity for our strategic partners. Local meal prep services exist but no big national chains are here yet. The area has many gyms and fitness centers. Business districts like Clayton have lots of office workers who are seeking healthy meals. The economy is growing with low unemployment. Healthcare and professional jobs are strong. Clean Eatz Cafes could do well in suburban areas with busy professionals and fitness-focused customers.
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Why Choose St. Louis to open your Cafe?
Population Overview
Population: 2.81 million residents across 15 counties, showing modest but positive growth of 0.23% annually in 2024. This represents the largest population increase since 2010, driven primarily by international immigration growth of 23.2%, ranking first nationally.
Growth Projections: While overall MSA growth remains modest, the composition of growth favors Clean Eatz’s target market. International immigration brings educated, higher-income professionals.
Income and Employment
Median Household Income: Premium target areas exceeding $90,000 median household income include: Clayton: $128,898 median household income, with 31.4% of households earning $200,000+, Chesterfield: $133,380 median household income
Key Employment Sectors: Healthcare: BJC HealthCare: 44,000 employees (post-Saint Luke’s merger), SSM Health/Mercy: 5,000+ regional employees.
Education
Educational Attainment: Clayton: 26.4% bachelor’s degree attainment, significant graduate degree population, Professional concentration: 95%+ white-collar employment in Clayton, Regional average: 35-40% bachelor’s degree or higher in target areas.
Nearby Institutions: Washington University in St. Louis: 16,500 total enrollment, Saint Louis University: 17,202 total enrollment.
Health and Fitness Culture
The St. Louis MSA demonstrates moderate to strong fitness culture supporting Clean Eatz market entry, with approximately 2.5-3.0 gyms per 10,000 residents across the metropolitan area.
• Club Fitness: 19 locations operating 24/7 across metro area (40+ years serving St. Louis) • Planet Fitness: 3 confirmed locations (Central West End, Chippewa, South County) • Life Time Fitness: 1 premium location in West County ($189+/month).
Healthy Dining Market Trends
The St. Louis market demonstrates growing demand for healthy, convenient dining options with several key indicators:
- Strong demand for customizable bowls/salads (evidenced by Crushed Red’s 3 locations)
- Growing interest in keto, paleo, gluten-free options
- Preference for local sourcing and transparency
- Post-workout nutrition needs aligned with fitness culture growth
Consumer Preferences
Market Dynamics Balance:
- Health Consciousness Evolution: Growing counter-trend toward wellness and nutrition
- Local Loyalty: Strong preference for established local brands requiring competitive differentiation
Pricing Analysis shows market acceptance across tiers:
- Premium: Pure Plates ($15-18/meal)
- Mid-tier: Fit Flavors ($10-15/meal) – Clean Eatz positioning
- Value: Time For Dinner (~$5-7/serving)
Local Competition
Major Local Players:
- Fit Flavors: Market leader with 6 locations, 700+ meals/week capacity, $10-15 per meal
- Pure Plates STL: Premium delivery service, 100% gluten-free, $12-18 per meal
- Revel Kitchen: 3 locations (formerly Athlete Eats), sports partnerships
This represents a significant first-mover advantage opportunity for Clean Eatz as an established national brand.
Tourism and Travel Factors
Business Travel and Tourism Impact provides supplementary market support:
- Tourism Revenue: $5.76 billion (2023), with projected 1.3% hotel revenue growth in 2025
- Gateway Arch National Park: 2.4 million annual visitors
- Convention Business: Strong calendar at America’s Center with $240 million expansion completed 2024
Strategic Advantages for Clean Eatz
Competitive Positioning Benefits
Established franchise systems and operational expertise, Proven menu development and supply chain management, No major national healthy fast-casual chains established, Growing market demand exceeding current supply
Demographic Alignment
50,000+ qualifying households in primary target areas, $90,000+ median household income areas well-defined, 199,463 healthcare workers (largest employment sector), Multiple Fortune 500/1000 corporate headquarters
Infrastructure and Location Advantages
Fitness Center Proximity: Partnership opportunities with 19 Club Fitness locations, Corporate wellness program integration potential
Commercial Real Estate Value: Below-national-average costs ($16-20/sq ft retail) support
profitable expansion while maintaining prime location accessibility.
Market Development Potential
Growth Areas: St. Charles County and West County development projects create expansion
opportunities aligned with target demographics moving to new residential areas.
Corporate Catering Market: Major employer concentration provides substantial B2B
opportunity through corporate meal programs and event catering.
what do our Franchise partners Have To Say About Opening a Clean Eatz cafe?
Ready to Learn More About Becoming a Clean Eatz Franchise Partner?
The St. Louis area offers strong potential for Clean Eatz franchise success, especially in Clayton and Chesterfield. These high-income areas are filled with health-conscious residents, strong job growth, and major employers in healthcare and business. With no major national healthy dining chains currently present, the market is open. Local meal prep services leave space for a recognized brand. A strategy focused on high-visibility locations near gyms and business hubs, along with corporate partnerships, can drive sales and capture market share before competitors enter.