Breadless Signs First Franchise Deal: 5 New Locations Coming to Michigan and Chicago

Breadless just made a big move.

The Detroit-born sandwich brand signed its first-ever franchise development deal. The partner is Jonah Smith and Third Coast Harvest, LLC.

Fact: This is a five-unit agreement. Two locations are headed to Ann Arbor, Michigan. Three are headed to Chicago.

When Will New Breadless Locations Open?

The first Ann Arbor location is set to open by Fall 2027. The first Chicago location follows by Fall 2028. The remaining three locations should open shortly after.

Breadless already runs two company-owned spots in Detroit and Rochester, Michigan. There’s also a location inside Comerica Park. This franchise deal expands the brand well beyond its home base.

Why This Deal Matters

Marc Howland, Co-Founder and CEO of Breadless, called this a milestone. He said the brand set out to prove that fast casual food can be both healthy and delicious. Finding a franchise partner who believes in that mission, he said, means a lot to the team.

See the official press release.

For Breadless, this deal does more than add units. It validates the brand’s concept. In essence, it shows the model can scale. And it proves the concept can work outside the Detroit metro.

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What Makes the Breadless Food Franchise Different?

Breadless skips the bread. Instead, sandwiches are built on nutrient-rich leafy supergreens.

The menu goes beyond sandwiches too. Bowls, salads, and smoothies round things out. Everything is made-to-order and chef-crafted.

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In addition, the brand has built a loyal following. Distinct food. Clean, modern storefronts. A young brand that’s easy to recognize.

Where Is Breadless Expanding Next?

Michigan and Chicago are just the start. Breadless is now scouting franchise partners in several other states, including:

• Florida
• Georgia
• New Jersey
• New York
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Virginia
• Washington, D.C.

Corporate leadership says they’re picking partners and markets carefully. But, will the right franchisee fit matter more than speed?

Let’s hope so.

The Bottom Line

Breadless just proved something important. A strong concept can attract the right franchise partner, even without a long franchise track record.

This deal is a signal. Breadless is serious about growth. And based on the states it’s now targeting, this is likely just the beginning.

If you’re evaluating fast-casual franchise opportunities, Breadless may be an opportunity to check out.

(Main image courtesy of Breadless on Instagram)