Zoes Kitchen joins Front Range fast-casual field.

• Author: Taylor, Mike
• Position: STATE of the STATE - Brief article

It took more than 20 years, but Zoes Kitchen has arrived. The Alabama-born, Mediterranean-in-spired, fast-casual chain made its Colorado debut in March when it opened at Southwest Plaza in Little-ton, followed by another opening, at Bradburn Village in Westminster, this April.

The Front Range fast-casual market is a crowded and competitive one, but Zoes Kitchen CEO Kevin Miles sees the demographics and Zoes' emphasis of fresh and healthy fare--no microwaves or fryers--as a good fit.

"Denver's probably the birthplace of fast-casual," Miles said, also dubbing it one of the five healthiest markets. "You have wonderful concepts that have been phenomenally successful. We've been extremely excited about this market for lots of reasons. One, just the awareness of fast-casual. Secondly, the ability to bring this type of food to the fast-casual environment."

One of those Denver-based, fast-casual concepts that will no doubt invite comparisons is Garbanzo Fresh Mediterranean, founded in 2008. The private chain formerly known as Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill boasts 20 restaurants, including 14...