Coolgreens operates 10 fast-casual restaurants across Oklahoma, Nebraska and Texas. In the wake of the global pandemic, though, the chain has shifted its business development strategy from on-premises dining to cater to those spending more time at home.
In late 2019, the chain launched Coolgreens Markets, smart fridges that offer the chain’s menu of grab-and-go offerings. Coolgreens Markets was originally ticketed for high-traffic, commuter areas like high-rise office buildings, airports and stadiums, but the COVID-19 crisis forced the brand to reconsider its strategy. The company has since updated its strategy by placing Coolgreens Markets in a number of high-rise residential and office buildings in Dallas. These locations reach residents and office staff with the chain’s signature salads, sandwiches, wraps, grain bowls and more.
“We deployed our first DFW Coolgreens Market prior to the pandemic,” says Mary Beth McGehee, Coolgreens vice president of business development. “Now that we’ve seen success with our newest locations, we have expanded our selection criteria as we go forward throughout the Dallas Metroplex. With businesses and lifestyles changing so rapidly, we believe that people need a healthy, better-for-you option readily available now more than ever.”
Coolgreens’ existing brick-and-mortar stores in the Dallas market help replenish each smart fridge with the same menu items guests can find at local restaurants. In addition to regularly restocking, each unit undergoes thorough sanitization.