Kitava Named to QSR 40/40 List
On February 1, QSR Magazine announced Kitava’s inclusion on their annual 40/40 List for 2021. More than just a collection of what’s hot and trendy, this annual list selects the top “up-and-coming but largely under-the-radar” fast casual concepts with fewer than 40 units from around the country. Concepts are evaluated based on their menu, hospitality, guest experience, and the positive impact they have on their communities, such as hiring locally and supporting charitable causes.
Kitava Owner & Co-Founder Bryan Tublin shares a few words below about this recognition, Kitava’s mission, and how the industry is changing for the better.
Eleven months ago we never imagined our industry would still be reeling from a global pandemic. To say the past year has been trying is a severe understatement, and our entire team at Kitava feels extremely fortunate to have made it through these tough times.
We’re also humbled by the support we’ve received from our loyal guests. You’ve stuck by us with your orders, gift card purchases, positive Yelp reviews, and notes of encouragement. We truly can’t thank you enough, as Kitava simply wouldn’t be here anymore without you.
Your support has also landed us on the radar of QSR Magazine, an industry publication which recently included Kitava on their 40/40 List identifying “America’s Hottest Startup Fast Casuals.” This recognition is a validation that our brand of nourishing food appeals to a growing audience, and we’re honored to be mentioned alongside several much larger concepts.
It’s also a validation of our broader mission — to nourish the people and communities we serve through food that’s delicious, approachable, and thoughtfully sourced. We don’t believe we’d be anything special if our team didn’t work hard to make an impact on our local communities, which includes sourcing local ingredients, partnering with organizations like the SF Friends School and SF Conservation Corps to teach students about food and nutrition, and working with neighborhood nonprofits like MEDA to hire local workers from our community. It’s our duty to be good corporate citizens, and we’ll always strive to give back everywhere we do business.
The restaurant industry is certainly evolving, and we believe Kitava’s concept and mission-driven approach puts us in position to adapt with these changes. QSR included Kitava on their 40/40 list in part due to an increased consumer demand for food that’s wholesome, nutritious, and flavorful, with an increasing reliance on delivery and convenience.
Sam Oches, Editor for QSR Magazine, commented on Kitava’s inclusion:
“While the pandemic ushered in new demand for indulgent comfort foods, it also emphasized the need for Americans to take care of themselves and turn to more nutritious foods. As we come out of the pandemic, I expect there will be a surge in demand for wholesome, better-for-you foods that are also craveable. Meanwhile, the pandemic also expedited the trend toward digitally facilitated off-premises service and the ability to quickly and effortlessly order food from your device. Fast casuals are best suited to that task because not only are they fast and ahead of the curve with today’s restaurant technology, but they’re also the best value with premium foods at an affordable price. Kitava checks all of these boxes, which gives it the potential to expand and find new customers looking for that better-for-you, craveable food experience. That’s why we were excited to put it on this year’s 40/40 List.”
Kitava will continue doing our best to improve every day and live up to our promise — to provide truly healthy food you can feel good about eating, while nourishing our communities in the process. We still have a long road ahead, as all restaurants do. But we’re confident we can weather the storm with your ongoing support.
To good health,
Bryan Tublin, Owner & Co-Founder
The 40/40 List
The 40/40 List is a signature report produced annually by QSR magazine. Now in its fifth year, the 40/40 List highlights 40 emerging limited-service restaurant companies with fewer than 40 locations that have potential to become the next big thing. Weighing brand performance, menu innovation, uniqueness of model, and buzz-worthiness, QSR editors choose from among hundreds of submissions every year in selecting an entirely new crop of quick-service and fast-casual restaurant concepts that are resetting the restaurant paradigm and driving the industry forward.
QSR Magazine
QSR magazine is a thought leader for the quick-service and fast-casual restaurant industries, delivering news and insights to restaurant owners, executives, managers, chefs, franchisees, and more. Now in its 24th year of publication, QSR takes seriously its role in promoting industry values through its award-winning editorial content. For more information, visit QSRmagazine.com.
