News

Chicago gym welcomes fast casual café

May 24, 2013

From opening a bar serving cheese fries and wings to its Quad Cities pizza joint and bakery, one wouldn't think the owners of Chicago-based The Fifty/50 Restaurant Group would have a health food spot next on its to-open list. The Daily Feed, however, is the newest restaurant in the group's portfolio. It teamed up with CrossTown Fitness, a boutique gym in Chicago, to open the fast casual café inside the gym, according to a company press release.

The partnership began when CrossTown Fitness owner, Charlie Graff, along with his friends and the owners of The Fifty/50 Restaurant Group (The Fifty/50, Roots Handmade Pizza, West Town Bakery & Diner, Homestead and The Berkshire Room), Greg Mohr and Scott Weiner, discussed opening a fast casual health spot within the specialty gym.

The menu at The Daily Feed offers an array of diet-specific lean and fatty proteins, salads, wraps, quinoa bowls and breakfast items made with high-quality and fresh ingredients, Mohr said. Gym-goers or passersby can choose from entrees like Seasoned Shrimp Skewers to Turkey Meatloaf along with salads including the Cobb Salad and quick snacks like the Trail Mix Scone and Bean Chips. Guests can sip on an extensive list of customized house-made protein shakes, smoothies and coffees. All of the menu items are prepared in a grab-and-go style for neighborhood residents and CrossTown Fitness members, while also incorporating fiber-rich ingredients, slow-burning carbs, essential fats, and lean proteins.

"We're excited about creating good food for people with very specific diets, challenges, and personal goals," Mohr said.

The cafe provides fresh and nutritious meal choices and snacks to energize people before or after their workout, during a midday pick-me-up or light dinner, Mohr said. The café has seating for 20 guests as well as outdoor seating for 16 guests.

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