First O’Naturals franchise readied

A health club in Wichita, Kan., will become the first franchise location for O’Naturals, the natural and organic fast-casual restaurant founded by the owner of New Hampshire-based yogurt maker Stonyfield Farm.

Portland, Maine-based O’Naturals, founded in 2001 and with three locations in New England, will be open to the public at the Genesis Health Club starting this month. The Genesis Rock Road café will serve O’Naturals’ menu of flatbread sandwiches and pizzas, soups, tossed salads, Asian noodles and fresh baked goods.

All O’Naturals ingredients are natural, organic or local.

In addition to serving Genesis members, O’Naturals will be open to the public, says co-franchisees Rodney Steven II of Genesis Health Clubs and Kelli Fugate, who will serve as manager.

Founded by Gary Hirshberg, president of Stonyfield Farm, O’Naturals was named one of seven “Hot Concepts” in 2004 by Nation’s Restaurant News magazine.

After announcing franchising opportunities earlier this year, company officials at O’Naturals fielded almost 1,000 inquiries from all over the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, said Jay Friedlander, O’Naturals chief operating officer. – JEFF FEINGOLD/NEW HAMPSHIRE BUSINESS REVIEW