Detroit-Based Fast Casual Brand Plans National Expansion with Multi-Unit Franchise Deal
DETROIT, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Breadless, the Detroit-born fast-casual restaurant known for reimagining the traditional sandwich, has signed a multi-unit development franchise deal with global business leader Jonah Smith and Third Coast Harvest, LLC, to officially launch its franchise expansion, marking a new chapter in the company's growth. The five-unit agreement includes the development of two new Breadless locations in Ann Arbor, Michigan and three in Chicago, with the first Ann Arbor location expected to open by Fall 2027 and the first Chicago location by Fall 2028. The remaining three Midwest locations are expected to follow soon after. With two company-owned locations in Detroit and Rochester, Michigan, as well as a location at Comerica Park, this partnership marks a major milestone in Breadless' continued growth and its reach into new communities nationwide.
"Signing our first franchise partner is a milestone we have been building toward since the beginning," said Marc Howland, Co-Founder and CEO of Breadless. "We created Breadless to challenge what people expect from fast casual and prove that feel-good food can be healthy and delicious. Having a partner who believes enough in that vision to bring Breadless to new communities is incredibly meaningful for our entire team, and we are excited for the future."
The new Breadless franchise agreement serves as a significant step toward the company's broader growth strategy and validates the strength, differentiation and scalability of the brand's concept.
Founded in Detroit, Michigan, around a simple idea of reimagining the sandwich, Breadless replaces traditional bread to construct fresh, made-to-order sandwiches swathed in nutrient-rich leafy supergreens meant to fuel customers forward. With longevity-focused ingredients and an expansive menu that also includes bold, craveable, and customizable chef-crafted bowls, salads, and smoothies, Breadless is revolutionizing the fast casual sector and building a loyal fan base with their distinct food options, exquisitely designed storefronts and easily recognizable brand.
As Breadless continues to grow nationwide, the corporate team is selecting franchise partners and markets that align with the brand's mission, standards and long-term vision, currently exploring additional opportunities in Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
About Breadless
Breadless is a Detroit-founded fast-casual brand serving fresh, bold sandwiches, bowls and salads designed to fuel what's next. Founded by Marc Howland, LaTresha (LC) Howland and Chef Ryan Salter, Breadless reimagines familiar favorites with nutrient-rich leafy supergreens, offering flavorful feel-good food options designed to energize busy go-getters, health enthusiasts and everyone in between.
Breadless was named one of FastCasual's 20 Brands to Watch for 2025 and recognized as "Best On-The-Go" in the 2025 Detroit Is It Food Awards.
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SOURCE Breadless
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