Franchising

2 Orange Country restaurants create 'elevated fast casual' concept

Provided

June 25, 2021

Orange County-based culinary brands — 7 Leaves Cafe and Crema Bakery — have created Artisan, a fast casual concept opening in July in Fountain Valley, California. 7 Leaves Co-founder Sonny Nguyen described it as an "elevated fast casual concept," that builds on the popularity of 7 Leaves, which has 25 units in three states.

"With the Artisan concept, we want to take the trust and sense of community that we've built over the past decade to the next level with an elevated offering that dives deeper into the guest experience," he said in a company press release. "Our lives are moving faster than ever, and Artisan is meant to allow for a moment to pause, to take the time to enjoy, reflect and appreciate life — for us, that's what it's all about."

The vibe

Upon entering the 3,000-square-foot restaurant, guests will be immersed into an environment that revolves around chic European style, reminiscent of a fine Parisian boulangerie — completed by a display of fresh-baked bread and pastries from Tarit Tanjasiri, the owner and chief executive baker at Crema Bakery.

"While we strive to present a menu that is rooting in carefully sourced ingredients and time-intensive preparation, we are intent on being approachable, affordable and craveable," Tanjasiri said in the release. "The word 'artisan' in a food context refers to those products that are crafted by the hand of a master in the kitchen, utilizing whole ingredients that support a healthy lifestyle for the individual and the community, as a whole. In staying true to the brand, the 7 Leaves team has curated an elevated experience, while doing it in a way that will leave our guests wanting more."

Under the watchful eye of Executive Chef Chad Urata, Artisan guests may indulge in omelettes, Parisian eggs Benedict and avocado toast, while hand-held dishes include a bacon and egg sandwich and the and Mochiko chicken sandwich.

"While all of our baked goods are made by hand using the best ingredients — the most important being time — our stand-out offering is definitely the Artisan Croffle," said Tanjasiri, who added his baguettes have a 48-hour preparation time and are made with only flour, water, salt and yeast. "Croffle is a portmanteau of croissant and waffle, since we take our signature croissant dough and cook it in a waffle iron, rather than the over to create a truly unique item that is crisp, yet flaky and buttery all at once. It's unlike anything you've ever had."