How to Finance a Clean Eatz Franchise: Meal Prep Cafe Costs
By Chris Cornella
A Clean Eatz franchise loan finances a business that is part cafe, part meal prep kitchen and part retail shop. Clean Eatz sells weekly meal plans, grab-and-go meals, in-store cafe dining, retail products and catering from one location, so a lender has to understand several revenue streams rather than a single restaurant menu.
This article explains what the franchisor discloses publicly about the brand, how its operating model affects the build-out and equipment budget, what Clean Eatz’s SBA Franchise Directory listing and lease rider note mean, and how buyers combine SBA, conventional, equipment and working capital financing.
US Professional Funding is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by Clean Eatz; the name is used only to describe the business. Figures from the franchisor’s disclosure document and website can change, loan programs and terms vary by lender and borrower, and every loan is subject to lender review and approval. Nothing here is legal, tax or investment advice; review the current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and franchise agreement with a qualified franchise attorney and accountant.
Clean Eatz Franchise Loan at a Glance
- Founded: launched in 2013 by co-founders Don and Evonne Varady; franchising since 2015.
- System size: the franchisor reports 116 outlets open in fiscal year 2025, 114 of them franchised and 2 company-owned or affiliated, and describes 115+ locations in 23 states.
- Business model: five revenue streams: meal plans, grab-and-go meals, an in-store cafe, retail and catering.
- Operating profile: the franchisor describes a small-footprint build-out with no fryers, a lower equipment investment, lean labor and hours of roughly 11am to 7pm.
- Fees and investment: the franchise fee, royalty, marketing fees and estimated initial investment are disclosed in Items 5, 6 and 7 of the current FDD.
- Financial performance: the franchisor says the FDD includes Item 19 financial performance information.
- SBA Franchise Directory: listed as Clean Eatz (code S2089), with a note on the lease rider explained below.
What Is Clean Eatz?
Clean Eatz is a healthy meal concept co-founded by husband and wife Don and Evonne Varady. The company says it launched in 2013 and started franchising in 2015, with a mission built around clean, balanced food, education and motivational support.
How the model works. Customers can order meal plans each week, including standard and customizable plans. Each location also stocks grab-and-go freezers with prepared meals, runs an in-store cafe, sells retail products and offers catering. That mix means a typical day includes batch meal production as well as walk-in cafe orders.
A different kitchen. The franchisor describes a small-footprint store with no fryers, a lower equipment investment than a traditional restaurant, lean labor and a kitchen that closes around 7pm. For financing, that profile matters: a smaller build-out and equipment package can mean a smaller loan, while the meal plan program adds a recurring, pre-ordered sales stream that a lender will want to see documented.
How lenders see the brand. Lenders generally view Clean Eatz as a small-format franchise restaurant with an established, mostly franchised system. They will focus on the specific site, the operator’s plan for meal plan marketing and production, and the economics disclosed in the FDD.
Clean Eatz Franchise Costs
Initial franchise fee. Item 5 of the current FDD sets out the initial franchise fee and any multi-unit or development fees. The franchisor’s public website refers candidates to the FDD and its franchise information kit for these amounts.
Lease and build-out. When a location leases retail space, the build-out covers the kitchen, walk-in cooling, grab-and-go freezer displays, a cafe counter and seating, and retail shelving. A smaller footprint and the absence of fryers can reduce ventilation and fire suppression needs compared with a full-service kitchen, though local codes still apply.
Equipment. Expect commercial ovens and ranges, refrigeration and freezers, food prep stations, packaging equipment for meal plans, display freezers, smallwares and point-of-sale technology.
Opening costs and working capital. Opening inventory, packaging, signage, training, grand opening marketing and additional operating funds for the early months all appear in the FDD’s Item 7 table.
Total investment. Item 7 of the current FDD gives the estimated initial investment range. Typical categories include:
- Initial franchise fee
- Leasehold improvements and build-out
- Kitchen and refrigeration equipment
- Furniture, fixtures and display freezers
- Signage
- Technology and point-of-sale systems
- Opening inventory and packaging
- Training and travel
- Grand opening marketing
- Additional funds for the initial operating period
Lenders will compare the Item 7 range with your landlord’s tenant improvement allowance, contractor bids and equipment quotes.
Ongoing Fees and How They Affect Your Loan
Royalty and marketing fees. Item 6 of the FDD lists the royalty, any brand or marketing fund contribution, local marketing requirements and technology fees. Confirm whether each is a percentage of gross sales or a fixed amount.
Other fees. Item 6 also covers transfer, renewal, training and similar charges that matter if you later sell the business or add locations.
How lenders factor these costs in. Lenders deduct royalties, marketing contributions and technology fees from projected sales before measuring debt service coverage. For a multi-channel model, they will also want sales projections broken out by meal plans, grab-and-go, cafe, retail and catering so they can see which streams drive cash flow.
Franchisor Requirements for New Owners
Clean Eatz does not publish minimum net worth or liquidity requirements on its franchising site; Item 7 of the FDD and the franchise development team are the place to confirm capital expectations. The franchisor’s website lays out a six-step path:
- Fill out the form: an initial inquiry to see if you qualify.
- Pre-qualification: a conversation with a franchise development representative.
- Franchise application: a short application about your background and experience.
- FDD review: the disclosure document explaining the business structure and brand relationship.
- Observation day: a visit to headquarters to meet each department.
- Own your Clean Eatz: signing and moving into site selection and opening.
Lenders typically want to see that you have been approved, or are far along in the process, before they finalize a Clean Eatz franchise loan.
Ways to Own a Clean Eatz
Opening a new location. A new store requires a site, a lease, a build-out and a full equipment package. Lenders underwrite on projections and the owner’s experience. See our franchise start-up financing options.
Buying an existing store. With a mostly franchised system, resales are a realistic entry point. A buyer inherits trained staff, a meal plan customer base and historical financials. Learn more about buying a franchise resale.
Adding locations. Existing owners may expand into nearby markets, subject to franchisor approval and territory availability.
Financing Options for a Clean Eatz Franchise
SBA 7(a) loans. The SBA 7(a) loan program is widely used to finance a new or existing franchise location, covering build-out, equipment, franchise fees and working capital in one loan for qualified borrowers.
SBA 504 loans. The SBA 504 program fits when an owner buys the building or long-lived fixed assets. For a leased store, 504 generally applies only if the owner purchases real estate.
Conventional term loans. A conventional business loan may suit experienced multi-unit operators or buyers with strong collateral who prefer a non-SBA structure.
Equipment financing. Ovens, refrigeration, display freezers, packaging equipment and point-of-sale systems can be financed separately. Learn more about restaurant equipment financing and leasing.
Build-out financing. Leasehold improvements are often the largest single cost of a new store. Read about financing a restaurant build-out.
Working capital and lines of credit. Meal plan production means buying ingredients and packaging ahead of pickup days, and a new store needs payroll support during its ramp-up. See our restaurant working capital solutions.
Seller financing on resales. A seller may carry part of the price. Any seller note is typically subordinate to the senior lender, and SBA and other programs may limit how it is structured.
SBA Loans for Clean Eatz Franchisees
SBA lenders generally need a brand on the SBA Franchise Directory before they can make an SBA-guaranteed loan to one of its franchisees. A listing means the franchise relationship has been reviewed for eligibility; it does not approve any borrower.
Clean Eatz’s listing. Clean Eatz appears on the SBA Franchise Directory under code S2089. The SBA 7(a) program maximum is currently $5 million, though program rules can change.
The lease rider note, in plain English. The listing carries this note: when the real estate where the franchise business is located will secure the SBA-guaranteed loan, the Lease Rider may not be executed. A franchisor lease rider is an addendum to a store lease that gives the franchisor certain rights in the premises. If you own the building, or the property is pledged as collateral for the SBA loan, that rider cannot be signed for the location. Owners who lease space from an unrelated landlord are not affected in the same way, but your lender will still review the lease.
SBA application tips. Prepare a business plan with sales by revenue stream, the signed franchise agreement or approval, the lease or letter of intent, build-out bids and equipment quotes. The SBA loan calculator can help with early payment estimates, which are for planning only.
How Lenders Evaluate a Clean Eatz Deal
Personal credit and financial history. Lenders review credit, tax returns and personal financial statements and typically require personal guarantees.
Net worth and liquidity. Lenders look for an equity injection and reserves beyond it so the business can absorb a slower ramp-up.
Industry and management experience. Restaurant, food production, fitness or nutrition and retail management experience all help, along with the franchisor’s training.
Business plan and projections. Projections should break out meal plans, grab-and-go, cafe, retail and catering sales, reflect the early-evening closing time and include food, packaging, labor, rent and franchise fees.
The FDD and franchise agreement. Lenders read Items 5, 6, 7, 17 and 19, and pay attention to term, renewal and transfer provisions. Our article on reading an FDD for financing explains what matters most.
Site and lease. Lenders want a lease term that covers the loan, reasonable rent and, where relevant, landlord consent for equipment liens.
Historical financials for resales. Expect several years of profit and loss statements, sales reports and tax returns for an existing store.
Kitchen, Freezers and the Meal Plan Model
Clean Eatz’s equipment needs reflect its production style. Batch cooking for weekly meal plans requires ovens, prep space and refrigeration sized for volume, while grab-and-go sales depend on reliable display freezers. Packaging and labeling equipment keeps meal plan orders accurate.
Because the kitchen has no fryers, owners avoid one category of high-maintenance equipment. Lenders still expect a maintenance plan and a reserve for replacing refrigeration, which is critical to inventory.
Multi-Unit Growth and Development
Once a first store is stable, owners may consider additional locations. Lenders evaluate the combined cash flow of existing stores, the strength of the management team and whether the new market supports meal plan demand. Each new store requires its own lease, build-out and franchisor approval, and owners often finance each one separately or refinance as the group grows.
Real-World Scenarios
A fitness professional opening a first store. A gym owner with a local following opens a new Clean Eatz. The SBA 7(a) loan covers build-out, equipment and working capital, and the lender relies on a detailed plan for converting gym members into meal plan customers.
A buyer acquiring an existing store. A first-time owner buys an existing location from a franchisee who is relocating. The lender underwrites historical sales and the meal plan customer base, and the seller carries a small subordinate note.
An owner buying the building. An existing franchisee buys the building where a second store will open. Because the real estate will secure the SBA loan, the lease rider cannot be executed, and the deal is structured around the owner’s purchase.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Projecting a single sales number instead of modeling each revenue stream
- Underestimating ingredient and packaging purchases ahead of meal plan pickups
- Skipping a refrigeration reserve when inventory depends on it
- Signing a lease before the franchisor and lender have reviewed it
- Overlooking the lease rider note when the real estate will secure the loan
- Leaving too little working capital for the ramp-up period
For more pitfalls, read the restaurant loan mistakes that cost owners the most.
Next Steps to Finance Your Clean Eatz Franchise
Step 1: Request the franchise information. Submit the inquiry form and complete pre-qualification.
Step 2: Review the FDD with advisors. Study Items 5, 6, 7, 17 and 19 with a franchise attorney and accountant.
Step 3: Talk with a financing specialist early. Learn how much you can borrow and how much equity you need before you commit to a site.
Step 4: Complete approval and observation day. Finish the application and visit headquarters.
Step 5: Secure a site. Negotiate a lease or purchase with franchisor input, and gather build-out bids and equipment quotes.
Step 6: Apply for financing. Submit your business plan, projections, personal financial statements, tax returns and franchise documents.
Step 7: Close and open. Coordinate construction, equipment delivery, training and opening marketing.
Clean Eatz Franchise Loan FAQs
How much does it cost to open a Clean Eatz?
Item 7 of the current FDD gives the estimated initial investment range, including the franchise fee, build-out, equipment, opening inventory and working capital.
What is the Clean Eatz franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee appears in Item 5 of the current FDD, along with any multi-unit fees.
What royalty does Clean Eatz charge?
Item 6 of the FDD lists the royalty, marketing contributions and other ongoing fees.
How much liquid capital do I need?
The franchisor does not publish a minimum on its website. Expect lenders to require an equity injection and reserves, and confirm the franchisor’s expectations during pre-qualification.
Is Clean Eatz eligible for SBA loans?
Yes. Clean Eatz is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory under code S2089. Each borrower must still qualify.
What does the lease rider note mean?
If the real estate where the store operates will secure the SBA loan, the franchisor’s lease rider may not be executed for that location.
Can I finance equipment separately?
Yes. Kitchen equipment, refrigeration, display freezers and point-of-sale systems can often be financed separately, subject to approval.
Can I buy an existing Clean Eatz?
Yes, with franchisor approval of the transfer. Lenders underwrite the store’s historical financials.
Can a first-time business owner get a Clean Eatz franchise loan?
Yes, if the franchisor approves the candidate and the borrower meets lender requirements. Relevant food, fitness or management experience strengthens the request.
Does Clean Eatz offer financing?
Item 10 of the FDD discloses any financing the franchisor offers.
Does the FDD include financial performance information?
The franchisor says it discloses financial performance information in Item 19. Review it with your accountant and rely on actual statements when buying an existing store.
Final Thoughts
A Clean Eatz franchise loan finances a compact kitchen with several ways to sell. Owners who model each revenue stream, budget for refrigeration and meal plan inventory, and understand the SBA lease rider note give themselves a stronger application.
US Professional Funding helps franchise owners and buyers finance start-ups, acquisitions, equipment, working capital and refinancing. Learn more about our franchise financing and restaurant financing solutions.
