The restaurant landscape is forever changing.
Just a couple of decades ago you would have been hard-pressed to find a fast-food or fast-casual spot that catered to a diversity of palates.
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Nowadays, U.S. cities and strip malls are lined with dozens of choices including Mediterranean, Tex-Mex, Chinese fusion, breakfast all day, dessert all day, seafood and, of course, classic American.
If you aren't one of the biggest players in the U.S., though, like a McDonald's, Chipotle or Starbucks, differentiation is crucial.
And one of the best examples of differentiation is the case of True Food Kitchen. The Phoenix chain offers dozens of healthful but satiating options at its 45 locations in 17 states.
True Food Kitchen makes a major change
True Food Kitchen has always prided itself on being a little different. Founded in 2008 by a medical doctor and backed by Oprah Winfrey, the casual eatery prompts its customers to "eat like your life depends on it."
"We were founded 15 years ago by Dr. Andrew Weil on the idea that great-tasting and nutritious food and thoughtfully crafted beverages can serve as a foundation for a life well lived and we are proud to stand by that today," the website says.
It offers a range of things from "super foods to comfort foods," including grass-fed-beef burgers, wild-caught-tuna-and-lettuce wraps, ancient-grain bowls and probiotic gut-friendly root beer floats.
And recently the chain decided to eliminate the use of seed oils, the potentially inflammatory oils extracted from things like corn, soy and rapeseed, from its menu.
"We've learned a lot about the health risks of oils extracted from seeds (corn, sunflower, safflower, canola, peanut, etc.). Especially when heated, they may promote inflammation and increase risks of certain health concerns," Weil says in a statement.
"Oils derived from fruits, such as olives and avocados, are much better for cooking and I recommend them as replacements for seed oils in the kitchen. I am proud True Food Kitchen continues to evolve their approach as we learn more."
True Food Kitchen eliminating additives
True Food has also committed to eliminating as many harmful additives or excess ingredients as possible.
"We are on a mission to make it easier for more people to eat more real food, and so we are focused on using whole or minimally processed ingredients in everything that we make," Chief Executive John Williams added.
True Food Kitchen also gets the seal of approval from the popular dining critic Seed Oil Scout, which lauds the chain for its approach to anti-inflammatory ingredients.
"True Food Kitchen stands as a testament to restaurants prioritizing health and flavor in equal measure," Seed Oil Scout writes. "Almost every dish is crafted with the revered olive oil, a staple in Mediterranean cuisine known for its health benefits."
It adds: "It’s not often that one can walk into a restaurant and have free rein over the menu, but True Food Kitchen is that rare gem."
