Featured Story: A Family Affair
How a Husband-and-Wife Team Built a Healthier Future
We are proud to share that Franchise Dictionary Magazine has featured Fresh Healthy Café in its October issue. The article, written by Brianna Bohn, spotlights the inspiring journey of Rick Hetzel and Cheryl Mothes, a husband-and-wife team whose shared passion for health and community has shaped the Fresh Healthy Café brand.
Building a Purpose-Driven Business
Since opening their first location in Missouri in 2019, Rick and Cheryl have expanded to multiple locations, building a thriving business rooted in genuine purpose. “We’ve teamed up to give our community the resources they need to live healthier lives and make a difference for many customers,” said Hetzel, who oversees U.S. development.
The Vision Behind the Menu
Mothes, a former nurse with a Ph.D. in holistic nutrition, developed the brand’s wholesome menu and educational initiatives to empower guests to make better food choices. With Americans consuming nearly a third of their daily calories away from home—often through fast food—Fresh Healthy Café offers a meaningful alternative through nutrient-rich, plant-forward meals.
What Makes Fresh Stand Out
Fresh’s menu includes soups, salads, wraps, paninis, quinoa bowls, and smoothies, all made with high-quality ingredients that support a healthy lifestyle. As Mothes explained, “We sought a partner who cared about plant-forward foods and beverages of the highest quality, that could educate consumers and personalize their nutritional needs and that cared about the environment.”
Growth and Collaboration
Backed by a corporate team committed to community and sustainability, Fresh has grown to 14 locations across the U.S. Hetzel and Mothes attribute their success to collaboration and clear communication. “A shared vision is everything,” Hetzel said. “The secret is to define your roles clearly, communicate openly, and leverage each other’s unique strengths.”
A Shared Vision for the Future
The couple’s story reflects the heart of Fresh Healthy Café: building healthier communities through better food, shared purpose, and lasting partnerships. Their journey represents what’s possible for entrepreneurs looking to make a meaningful impact through business ownership.
Become Part of Our Growing Fresh Team
Are you a collaborative and energetic entrepreneur who wants to make a real difference in the health food industry? Fresh Healthy Café is a leader in the expanding healthy fast-casual market, and we are seeking passionate partners who share our mission to heal the world one healthy meal at a time.
With years of hands-on experience, Fresh operates under a proven system designed for scalability and long-term success. Franchisees benefit from a supportive framework that covers every stage—from training and marketing to operations and community engagement.
Exclusive opportunities include unit and multi-unit franchises, master franchises, and co-branding options, each designed to fit your goals and market potential.
Discover more about joining our team and explore the own a Fresh opportunity today.
