Business

A Fresh New Trend in Food

The decrease of unhealthy fast food restaurants such as McDonald’s has steadily met with the increase of healthier food chains. Fresh & Co has gained popularity among New Yorkers through its health-centered menu. It opened 13 stores across New York City between 2010 and 2015 — the newest of which opened in July.

In fact, 2015 marks the first time since 1970 that McDonald’s has closed more stores than it opened — a total of 700 stores nationwide. At the same time, information measuring company Nielsen, reported that 76 percent of people they surveyed said that they buy organic groceries because they perceive it to be healthier than genetically modified foods.

“I’m not even attracted to fast food anymore,” said Fresh & Co customer Alison Pigarro. The 23 year old said she is more inclined to healthier options. “I like salads and wraps. If I had the option to eat more healthy I would.”

A healthy option that opened even more recently at East 8th Street near Broadway, PureFoods, focuses on transitioning people from an unhealthy to a healthy lifestyle, according to General Manager Kayla Moreno. The local juicing store, which opened in early July right across the street from a Just Salad restaurant, is capitalizing on the same consumer base.

“We’re all about being consumer friendly and becoming accessible to everyone and anybody,” said Moreno.

With health food trends such as organic eating on the rise, Fresh & Co aims to be a go-to for vegans, vegetarians and health-conscious individuals.

“There was such a high demand for the restaurant because the company uses local sources and supplies such as Free Bird and Satur Farms,” said Peter Boyiakis, senior operations supervisor.

Chains like Fresh & Co and PureFoods plan to expand further in New York City while the trend of healthy eating continues to support their success.