By: Ajalee Pulley
Shannon and Ray Allen’s 9-year-old son, Walker, battles with Type 1 Diabetes that causes him to struggle with maintaining a busy lifestyle and getting the nutrient-rich food he needs. This inspired the mother and father to come up with a solution of their own. The Allens came up with the concept of Grown, an organic fast-food restaurant, which is slated to open March 2016 in South Miami.
“I had an aha moment where I realized I couldn’t sit around helpless waiting for someone else to create a fast-food option that met our family’s dietary needs, and as we did our research it became obvious that this wasn’t a struggle unique to us, families everywhere are looking for convenience without compromise,” Shannon Allen said.
The Allens said Grown is a one-of-a-kind restaurant. They are striving to create locally-sourced high quality food, organic breakfast, lunch and dinner at an affordable price with the convenience of fast food dining. Yes! fast-food! Grown will have a drive-through, carry-out and other quick “grab-and-go” options.
The menu items will be priced between $4 and $18, which includes organic soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps, gluten-free bake goods, fruit smoothies, cold-pressed juices, coffees and teas.
“People want to be healthier, eat cleaner and feel better about what they’re putting in their bodies,” said Ray Allen. “I know this from personal experience, and when Grown opens it will very much be a concept unlike anything else, designed to be accessible by everyone, from the weekend warrior to the soccer mom and anyone in between.”
Grown will be homed in a 1,900-square-foot space that will include a rooftop garden, which will produce a variety of vegetable, fruit and herbs that will be used in the restaurants kitchen. That’s not it. The family-friendly environment will have play areas for kids of all ages and will even feature an interactive iPad bar equipped with nutritional- and fitness-themed games designed to educate people on healthy eating habits.
It seems that the Allens are really on to something and may just may have started a healthy movement in the fast food industry. McDonalds, Wendy’s and even Whataburger better watch out, Grown is on its way!
