The Visionaries Behind the Brand: Don and Evonne Varady
The story of Clean Eatz begins with its co-founders, the husband-and-wife duo Don and Evonne Varady. Both came from a background rooted in fitness and bodybuilding, a passion that laid the groundwork for their business. Starting with a personal meal-prepping concept, Evonne initially developed the idea to help others achieve their health goals through balanced nutrition. Her personal health struggles fueled her determination to make clean eating accessible and convenient for everyone.
The company was officially launched in Wilmington, North Carolina, and quickly grew from a single cafe. The Varadys' hands-on approach and dedication to their community were instrumental in the early success of the brand. They started with a cafe, offering dine-in options, but soon recognized the demand for convenient, pre-portioned meals. This led to the expansion of their business model, which now includes grab-n-go meals and weekly meal plans. In 2015, they began franchising, allowing their vision to spread across the country and build a larger community dedicated to wellness.
The Founders' Enduring Role
Even with the company's significant growth, Don and Evonne Varady remain deeply involved in the business. They continue to guide the brand's mission and culture, which emphasizes community, education, and motivational support. Their commitment goes beyond business operations; they also host 'The Founderz Lounge' podcast and established the Clean Eatz Foundation, which supports initiatives addressing childhood obesity. While day-to-day operations have evolved, their initial spirit and passion for helping others live healthier lives still drive the company forward.
The Evolution of Leadership: Appointing a CEO
As Clean Eatz expanded, the founders made the strategic decision to bring in experienced leadership to help scale the company. In 2024, Eric Wyatt was appointed as the franchise's first Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Wyatt brings over three decades of restaurant and retail industry experience to the role, with a focus on national expansion and operational excellence. His personal commitment to wellness resonated strongly with the brand's mission, making him an ideal choice to lead the next phase of growth.
A New Chapter for the Founders and the Brand
The appointment of a CEO was a significant milestone, allowing the Varadys to focus on high-level strategy, brand innovation, and supporting their growing network of franchisees. Wyatt's role is to leverage his industry expertise to streamline operations and aggressively expand the brand's footprint across the United States. This collaboration between the founding visionaries and a seasoned industry executive demonstrates a mature approach to scaling a fast-growing business.
The Clean Eatz Business Model
One of the keys to Clean Eatz's success is its diversified business model, which includes multiple revenue streams designed to appeal to different customer needs. These include:
- Cafe dining: Offering healthy bowls, wraps, burgers, and other cafe-style meals for dine-in or takeout.
- Weekly meal plans: Providing convenient, pre-portioned meals for the week based on specific nutritional goals.
- Grab-n-go: Stocking freezers with ready-to-eat meals for customers on the go.
- Catering: Supplying healthy food options for events and corporate functions.
- Marketplace: Selling branded products and supplements.
Founder vs. CEO: Roles and Responsibilities
While the founders and the CEO share a common goal for the brand, their specific roles within the company are distinct.
| Aspect | Don & Evonne Varady (Co-Founders) | Eric Wyatt (CEO) |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Visionary, brand developers, and spiritual leaders of the company | Operational leader, responsible for execution, growth, and day-to-day management |
| Experience | Background in fitness and personal training; built the business from the ground up | Decades of experience leading large restaurant and retail chains |
| Focus | Guiding the mission, culture, and supporting the franchisee community | Expanding brand footprint, improving operational efficiency, and franchise growth |
| Origin | Started the business from a personal passion and entrepreneurial drive | Hired by the founders to provide experienced corporate leadership |
The Ongoing Mission: "Change Livez"
Central to the Clean Eatz brand is its mission statement: "Change Livez." This commitment goes beyond simply serving food; it's about providing a supportive community and educational resources to help people make lasting, healthy lifestyle changes. This mission, established by the Varadys and now championed by Eric Wyatt, is the guiding principle behind every business decision and customer interaction. From the cafe menu to the weekly meal plans, the focus is on providing balanced, affordable, and convenient nutrition for a diverse range of lifestyles. This founder-led vision is the key to understanding who is the owner of Clean Eatz at its core.
Conclusion
The ownership of Clean Eatz ultimately rests with its co-founders, Don and Evonne Varady, the husband-and-wife team who built the company from the ground up in Wilmington, NC. While they remain the core visionaries, their decision to appoint a CEO, Eric Wyatt, marks a strategic step in scaling the business and expanding its reach. The collaborative leadership model, with the founders focusing on brand ethos and the CEO driving operational growth, ensures that the company remains true to its mission of helping people live healthier lives. The story of Clean Eatz is a testament to how a small, passionate entrepreneurial venture can evolve into a nationwide franchise while retaining its founding principles.
