(Photo by Kathy Tran)
Healthy with a side of peace and love
With its retro décor and psychedelic mural, Flower Child has the aesthetic of a mom-and-pop shop, even though the fast-casual chain was born in Phoenix, Arizona.
The Inwood Village restaurant is the brainchild of Fox Restaurant Concepts, the creator behind more than 30 restaurants across the Southwest. CEO Sam Fox capitalized on clean eating trends with neighborhood favorite True Food Kitchen — which he sold in 2016 — and envisioned a similar concept with faster service in Flower Child.
When it opened its first Arizona location in 2015, it was an instant hit.
“We felt like we’d captured lightning in a bottle,” Fox told Forbes in an interview that year.
It didn’t take the restaurant long to land on Lovers Lane, where neighbors now stop by after a workout and families enjoy dinner together.
The customizable menu, featuring gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options, separates the chain from its competition, says spokeswoman Tracy McGinnis. Everything is made from scratch, and leftover fruits and vegetables are used to make juice.
“We want to make sure our menu has something to appeal to anyone,” she says.
What to try:
The Mother Earth bowl — with ancient grains, sweet potatoes and portabello mushrooms — is the most popular item, spokeswoman Tracy McGinnis says. The avocado hummus and Vietnamese crunch salad also are in high demand.
5450 W. Lovers Lane / iamaflowerchild.com
(Photo by Kathy Tran)
(Photo by Kathy Tran)
(Photo by Kathy Tran)
Food for thought
Other healthy neighborhood options
Modern Market
7949 Walnut Hill Lane, suite 101
modernmarket.com
This Denver-based chain offers a rotating cast of salads, sandwiches, pizzas and plates for customers in a rush.
True Food Kitchen
8383 Preston Center Plaza, suite 100
Truefoodkitchen.com
Before it sold in 2016, True Food Kitchen was one of Fox Restaurant Concept’s original chains. Its seasonal menu emphasizes fresh produce.
Lala’s Mexican Café
6030 Luther Lane, suite 140
lalasmexicancafedallas.us
Chef Michelle Mireles opened this fast-casual joint this past October. It offers a twist on everyone’s favorite Mexican staples, with organic ingredients.
