Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit

Speaker Spotlight: Evonne Varady, Clean Eatz

Evonne Varady, founder of Clean Eatz shares a look at her career, her achievements and industry trends ahead of her appearance at Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit 2025.

Image: Willie Lawless/ Networld Media Group

January 24, 2025

Today we're shining a spotlight on Evonne Varady, founder of Clean Eatz. Varady will be a speaker at the upcoming Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit, which takes place on March 11-13, 2025, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. She will be a panelist on a breakout session titled "2025 Menu Trends: Can You Really Please Everybody?"

We thought it would be fun to get to know Varady a bit better ahead of her appearance at RFIS.

Describe your current role.

I am the co-founder of Clean Eatz, a healthy meal plan platform and cafe franchise that has grown from a single location to over 110 units nationwide. My role involves overseeing franchise operations, developing innovative meal solutions and fostering a community centered around health and wellness. I work closely with franchise owners to ensure our mission — to inspire people to live a healthier lifestyle — is reflected in every aspect of our brand. From creating partnerships to driving the company's long-term vision, I'm dedicated to making Clean Eatz a household name for accessible, healthy eating.

What inspired you to work in your industry?

I started with a passion for helping people live healthier lives, fueled by my own journey from being an X-ray tech to a chef and entrepreneur. I wanted to create something that made fitness and healthy eating achievable and enjoyable for everyone. Growing up on a farm also instilled a love for community and nature, which I've incorporated into everything I do, from my businesses to my lifestyle.

What's a common misconception people have about what you do?

People often think my work is glamorous, but the truth is, it's a mix of grit, manual labor and endless problem-solving. Whether it's perfecting recipes or managing chaos on a Monday meal plan pickup day, success comes from a lot of behind-the-scenes hustle and teamwork.

What industry trends do you think are currently over-hyped and why?

I believe the constant push for "hustle culture" and flashy tech-driven food trends is over-hyped. There's an obsession with being busy and over-complicating simple concepts, which often distracts from the fundamentals: creating real value, meaningful connections and products that truly resonate with people. Authenticity will always win over the next big "hack."

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your industry?

Know Your Why: Before diving in, be clear about why you're doing it. Whether it's a passion for health, a desire to help others or a personal connection to your mission, your "why" will keep you grounded when challenges arise.
Start Small, Dream Big: Don't be afraid to start with one location or a simple concept. Success comes from perfecting your process, building strong relationships and growing sustainably over time.
Be Ready to Work Hard: This industry isn't glamorous. From managing teams to perfecting recipes, there's a lot of behind-the-scenes effort. A willingness to roll up your sleeves and lead by example is crucial.
Focus on People: The food and wellness industry is all about connection — whether it's customers, employees or partners. Building trust and creating a positive experience for everyone involved will set you apart.

If you weren't working in your current field, what would you be doing instead?

I love embracing my creative side with DIY craft projects, especially anything involving wood, purses or events. I'm also passionate about the outdoors — whether it's hunting, soaking up nature or just enjoying a bourbon by a bonfire with family and friends.

Where did you grow up and how did your upbringing impact the person you are today?

I grew up on a farm, surrounded by hard work, nature and the values of a close-knit community. Those early experiences taught me the importance of resilience, self-reliance and appreciating the little things in life. From feeding animals at sunrise to understanding the cycles of growth and harvest, I developed a deep respect for both effort and patience. This upbringing instilled in me a strong work ethic and a down-to-earth perspective that I carry into everything I do — whether it's leading Clean Eatz or creating meaningful connections with the people around me. It also fostered my love for the outdoors and my belief in staying grounded, both figuratively and literally!

Is there anything else you would like to tell people about yourself or your company/organization?

My businesses are built on the principles of passion, lifestyle and creating a movement of positivity. Whether I'm helping others start their own ventures, mentoring women entrepreneurs or innovating in the food space, I want to inspire others to take action and create their own version of success.