For passengers flying out of Toronto Pearson International Airport, grabbing a bite before grabbing a flight often means a meal of pre-wrapped sandwiches, chocolate bars and the odd overpriced salad made from yesterday’s produce. Now, flyers will finally have the option to choose the healthier choice, thanks to the grand opening of Freshii in Terminal 3.
Why the incorporation of healthier choices at Toronto’s biggest airport? Because there’s a business case to be made behind sustainable restaurants who lower their footprint and cater to an ever growing market of mindful eaters. Pat Caroll, Vice President of Brands and Concepts of SSP America, is quoted by Food Travel Experts as saying, “At SSP, we want to make our customers happy. And, in order to make our customers happy, we listen to what they want. Today’s traveling consumers are fully aware of the role nutrition plays in their overall health and well-being and have made it clear to us that they want healthy, nutritious food options when they travel.”
Eat. Energize.
Such is the motto created by Mathew Corrin, the founder of Freshii. After working for years in marketing for Oscar de La Renta, Corrin began re-thinking the basics of fast food. According to the Freshii website, he wanted to eliminate the excuse that people don’t eat well because existing healthy food options are inconvenient for people on the go.
Seven years after the first store opened in Toronto, in 2005, there are 50 locations operating worldwide within what Corrin refers to as the “health-casual” industry, combining the convenience of fast food with the ability to eat well. On the menu at Freshii, you’ll find delicious healthy alternatives like salads, burritos, wraps, rice bowls, yogurts, breakfasts and soups created with high-quality, fresh ingredients.
What makes Freshii so energy-efficient?
In addition to serving up the freshest of food, the restaurant also takes a number of measures to drastically reduce the size of its carbon footprint. For example, everything from the store is either biodegradable or easily recyclable! By shaking each meal in a biodegradable bag, they produce 5-7 times less of a carbon footprint that running even the most energy-efficient dishwasher. Foodservice operators, take note!
Nearly all packaging used at this restaurant is made from eco-friendly vegetable starches, like corn or potatoes which biodegrades quickly, leaving behind only carbon dioxide, biomass, and water. Operators also make use of online, mobile ordering and paperless marketing, and use only eco-friendly and natural cleaning products. To top things off, there are no energy-hungry dishwashers, hoods, ranges or ovens – that’s the Freshii way.
Are you a foodservice operator looking for energy-efficient products? Visit our Rebates & Incentives page and see how you can save money by investing in efficient equipment that could benefit your business and improve your bottom line.
Questions or comments about Freshii? Leave them below!
image credit: Freshii
