The loss of a loved one can be a turning point, a moment that either breaks or builds a person.

For Cody Pepper, CEO of Fast Fresh Brands, iit led him on a mission to make healthy eating accessible to everyone. Pepper’s personal journey began with the loss of his father to cancer, a diagnosis linked to years of poor dietary habits. This experience ignited a fire in him, leading him to leave a successful career in nonprofit and consulting to helm Fast Fresh,  parent company of Bee Healthy Cafe and Nature’s Table. Under his leadership, the brand has doubled its footprint in just six months. Pepper discussed his journey with Modern Restaurant Management (MRM) magazine. 

What was your journey into the food industry and how does your previous business experience translate to what you do now?

I came into the food industry after building a strong background in business strategy and operations. Over time, I transitioned into the fast casual space, where I now lead Fast Fresh Brands, which includes Bee Healthy Cafe and Nature’s Table. My past experience, particularly in managing operations and growing brands, has been really valuable as I work to expand these businesses, streamline processes, and create better experiences for both our customers and our franchisees.

What are the barriers to having accessibility to healthier food choices?

There are a few key challenges when it comes to making healthier food options accessible. First, affordability can be a big hurdle, as healthy options are often perceived as expensive. Additionally, convenience is a factor—many people feel they don’t have time to prepare or find healthy meals. At Fast Fresh Brands, we address these by offering affordable, quick, and healthy options, so people don’t have to choose between convenience and nutrition.

What distinguishes your brands from the competition?

What sets us apart is our commitment to offering healthy, fresh meals in a fast-casual environment that doesn’t feel niche or exclusive. Our brands cater to a wide audience, especially busy families and individuals who care about what they eat but still need speed and convenience. We focus on flavor and quality, ensuring that our meals are not only healthy but also satisfying and enjoyable.

What do you look for in franchise partners and how do you support them?

When selecting franchise partners, I look for individuals who are business-minded, passionate about health and wellness, and committed to upholding the standards of the brand. It’s important to us that our partners share our values and vision. Once they’re on board, we provide them with comprehensive training, marketing support, and operational guidance to ensure they succeed. We want to help our franchisees grow, so they have all the resources they need to thrive.

What are the challenges of having menus focused on offering both fast and fresh?

The biggest challenge is balancing speed with quality. Customers expect quick service, but we also want to ensure that the meals are fresh and flavorful. Maintaining that balance, while keeping operations smooth and efficient, takes a lot of coordination and careful planning. But it’s something we’ve worked hard at to make sure we meet customer expectations on both fronts.

What do guests want to see on menus and how does the value proposition factor in?

Guests today are looking for meals that are healthy, tasty, and easy to fit into their busy lives. They want something that aligns with their health goals but still delivers on flavor. Our value proposition is simple: we make healthy eating easy, convenient, and enjoyable. We aim to offer food that meets people’s dietary needs without compromising on taste or convenience.

What do you hope for the future of your brands?

Looking ahead, I hope to see Fast Fresh Brands continue to grow and expand our reach. I want our brands to be recognized as leaders in healthy, fast-casual dining. We’re focused on expanding our footprint, innovating the menu, and supporting our franchisees so that we can bring healthier dining options to even more people across the country. With the added value from our private equity partner, DIA Equity Partners, these goals are even more attainable.