When Duane and Tori King started to have health challenges, the couple realized it was time to make a change in their dietary lifestyle, but struggled to find healthy fast food options.
It didn’t take them long to figure out that if you want something done, just do it yourself. The couple started to make vibrant salads at home and with a combined 40 years of entrepreneurial experience, they figured that other people are probably dealing with the same issue. That’s when Fresh Green Corporation was born.
Fresh Green is a fast casual salad concept with the hope to address limited access to healthier options in communities. Started in 2018, the Kings are on a “mission to positively influence health and environmental outcomes” will “supporting the wellbeing of [their] communities through organic and responsible sourcing.”
With so many food deserts in the middle of primarily Black communities, the Fresh Green concept is looking to change that narrative.
“Fresh Green has found leverage in assisting the Black community in adapting to the ‘getting healthy’ mentality by focusing on educating the black community on how to make informed choices and take control of their health by embracing healthy eating as a a part of their cultural identity,” the Kings told BLACK ENTERPRISE.
“Fresh Green believes everyone deserves access to fresh and nutritional food options regardless of their background or financial situation.”
As the only Black-owned salad company headquartered in Maryland, Fresh Green is pioneering in advocating for healthier food choices in urban settings. In July 2023, city council in Prince George’s County passed laws to encourage restaurants to provide healthy meal options in exchange for zero-interest loans and other financial help, The Washington Post reported. The Kings’ support was highlighted in the article, pointing out their own health battles and having to travel outside of the county to find healthy options.
The Fresh Green concept is unlike some of these other competing platforms in different ways. By pushing the boundaries of traditional salad offerings, the company prioritizes sourcing their products through local suppliers. “Our food products are selected with care and attention to detail,” the Kings said. “We pride ourselves in providing fresh, never frozen, processed, or mass produced packaged food products.” Fresh Green also thrives on offering a unique customer experience. Since the start of the business, the Maryland natives have worked closely with executive chefs to create tasteful, unique flavors while paying close attention to the details that make them popular.
Not too many salad brands have their own low-sodium dressing – Fresh Green does.
The only way for this new health giant to go is up. The couple said the goal is to open 200 locations in the next five years and they are already well on their way to become what they describe as being a “prominent player” in the health food industry.
“By providing quality salads packed with nutrients there is definitely potential for nationwide expansion in the next five years,” the owners explained. “Expanding nationwide would allow Fresh Green to reach a larger customer base and establish a stronger presence in the salad industry.”
With three corporate offices open in Bowie, Laurel, and Crofton, Fresh Green has adapted a franchise model with a new storefront in Watkins Park Plaza, and another opening in the state capital by the end of 2023.
One of the best things about Fresh Green is their commitment to community engagement. As the latest craze in the DMV area, Fresh Green is currently working with a nonprofit called Mark Made to help Duane’s alma mater, Delaware State University, and other local HBCUs implement healthy eating on and off campus. Both Duane and Tori recognize the influence the HBCU lifestyle has on their current and potential students so why not start there.
“HBCUs have the potential to to play a transformative role in uplifting and promoting healthy agendas,” the couple said.
“By integrating health and wellness into their educational programs, HBCUs can empower students and communities to prioritize their health and well being.”
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