Fresh Kitchen Adds to Leadership Team

A Bold Step Toward Scalable Restaurant Growth

Fresh Kitchen, the innovative, health-focused fast-casual bowl concept, is entering an exciting new chapter with the appointment of two highly experienced executives to its senior leadership team. As the brand celebrates over a decade of cooking up flavorful, chef-driven bowls in Florida and beyond, Fresh Kitchen’s strategic move underscores its commitment to operational excellence and rapid expansion. Restaurant operators watching the fast-casual landscape should take note- this is a playbook for strengthening both your core and future pipeline.

Spotlight on Operations and Development Leadership

Cementing its foundation for expansion, Fresh Kitchen welcomes William "Bill" Knopf as Senior Vice President, Head of Operations, and Matthew Livingston as Chief Development Officer. With more than 20 years leading multi-unit operations at restaurants such as Noodles & Company and honeygrow, Knopf is set to raise the bar for store-level consistency, leadership, and guest experience. Livingston, previously VP of Real Estate and Asset Management at First Watch Restaurants, brings expertise in site selection, asset management, and development - critical skills as Fresh Kitchen positions itself to reach over 100 locations in the coming years. Their arrival marks a decisive investment in bringing Fresh Kitchen’s chef-driven, gluten-free, and health-centric menu to more guests and communities.

What the New Leaders Bring to the Table

Knopf and Livingston are more than just impressive résumés - they’re a culture fit, handpicked to drive Fresh Kitchen’s unique service philosophy and standards. Knopf, with his passion for systems and team development, will focus on seamless execution and leadership at every location. Livingston, renowned for navigating aggressive but responsible real estate growth, is poised to drive Fresh Kitchen and sister concept Cali into new markets. Their seasoned perspectives bridge the art and science of restaurant growth, ensuring that as the brand scales, it retains the same culinary integrity and vibrant employee culture that powered its first decade.

A Vision for Sustainable and Community-Oriented Growth

At the heart of these leadership changes is Fresh Kitchen’s unwavering focus - serving food that’s good for people, nurturing teams, and building opportunities. With operations and development now led by proven experts, the company is primed to thoughtfully expand its gluten-free, clean-eating offerings throughout Florida and eventually, the broader U.S. For restaurant owners considering growth, this move demonstrates the power of aligning expansion strategies with core values and customer promise.

Lessons for Restaurant Leaders

Fresh Kitchen’s leadership expansion offers actionable takeaways for those managing restaurant brands- invest in talent that fits your culture, prioritize disciplined operations, and plan for sustainable site growth. As your team grows, so does your capacity for innovation and impact - setting your concept apart in a competitive industry.

Bringing the Blueprint Home

For restaurant owners and managers, Fresh Kitchen’s approach highlights how visionary hiring and thoughtful systems can set the stage for robust, culture-driven growth. As you plan your own expansion strategies, take inspiration from brands investing in their people, processes, and guest promises - delivering experiences and results that stand the test of time.

A Bold Step Toward Scalable Restaurant Growth