In college, Brianna Keefe was always on the move. As a cheerleader and college scholar, she needed healthy and delicious food options without sacrificing time or taste. Frustrated by the lack of choices for those with active lifestyles, Keefe began designing a better-for-you restaurant brand from scratch.
“Cooking at home or sitting at a restaurant didn’t fit my schedule and I constantly found myself in unhealthy situations,” says Keefe. “I wanted to build a concept where I could create a job for myself and be happy to go to work every day. I felt the demand increase, especially when I moved to Washington, DC, after college.
Keefe’s vision for Toastique is inspired by the beauty of fresh produce in its simplest form. The vibrant colors and flavors of fruits and vegetables became the basis of a menu of gourmet toast combinations, bowls, cold-pressed juices, smoothies, wellness shots and collagen-infused coffee drinks .
“If you can create something that looks as good as it tastes, the dining experience will come full circle.” All of our food options have a nice color and flavor,” says Keefe. “Presentation is very important (for Toastique) because we eat with our eyes first. When customers look at their food being prepared, they are thrilled…and that instant gratification and validation feels good to our team, too.
Toastique’s flagship location, a modest 1,000 square foot space in the heart of Washington, DC, lacked kitchen equipment, so everything was made in-house. Keefe prioritized fresh ingredients and fast service, catering to its busy clientele of professionals and tourists. In its first year of operation, Toastique generated more than $1 million in revenue.
“When we created the original menu, the idea was to try to have something for everyone, taking into account all flavors and dietary preferences. As we have grown, we have developed new seasonal options or toasts of the month,” says Keefe. “Now we can listen to our customers in all markets and integrate their ideas into a concept that we apply nationally. »
One of Toastique’s latest innovations is a cocktail menu that places the focus on health and wellness in a new category. The cocktails are free of artificial colors, sweeteners and excessive sugar, complementing the brand’s busiest customer base: brunchers.
“Our clientele appreciates healthier bar options, and it elevates our brunch menu,” says Keefe. “Breakfast and lunch see the most foot traffic, which also introduces the possibility of happy hour later in the day when the crowds begin to thin out.” You can’t find healthier cocktails anywhere else.
Through franchising, Toastique has expanded to 14 states, including new locations in Atlanta and California’s Bay Area. Keefe is particularly excited about expanding into West Coast markets.
“Toastique emerges as a West Coast brand and we are excited to expand throughout California. We already have three very successful sites there,” says Keefe. “No one toasts like us, and our demographic will love what we have to offer.” We’re doing something big and beautiful…penetrating new markets is one of my favorite things about the brand right now.
During this period of growth, Keefe remains focused on connecting with each community. Each new market is an opportunity to partner with passionate entrepreneurs, attend pop-up events and farmers’ markets, and collaborate with local fitness businesses.
“As a young brand, it is crucial to get involved in the community and develop your notoriety. The same goes for educating people about what healthy eating looks like and then making it accessible,” says Keefe. “There are many better-for-you brands that aren’t authentic when you dig deep…and our transparency is something we pride ourselves on. We intentionally choose franchise partners who are comfortable going out and networking with the community.
Keefe’s journey from athlete to restaurateur spawned a fast-growing national brand, earning her a spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. Reflecting on her success, she credits her willingness to sacrifice everything for her passion.
“I am so proud of the team I have built around our brand. We have been able to build Toastique into a premier lifestyle brand that embraces wellness and a sense of community. We help people start their day off right,” says Keefe. “We want to be recognized as a wellness destination. People feel welcome here, whatever their health journey. We just want to fit effortlessly into people’s lives…and provide them with nourishing foods that set the tone for the rest of their day.