Health Nut Names Kris Jenner as Investor, Debuts Licensing Program

HN Holding, owner of Health Nut restaurants in Calabasas, Sherman Oaks and Manhattan Beach, Calif., has announced celebrity manager, Kris Jenner’s, equity stake in the company. Jenner is the first investor of the Southern California restaurant chain known for its fresh ingredients, homemade dressings and wide range of vegan, vegetarian, organic and gluten-free salads, sandwiches, teas and more. 

Health Nut’s visibility increased in 2015 when its salad bowls began regularly appearing on the reality show, “Keeping Up With The Kardashians,” making the chain’s Calabasas location a destination for fans and locals. Since then, the restaurant has become a globally recognized brand that includes corporate-owned restaurants, a ready-to-sell franchise system and a licensing business targeting expansion into multiple consumer product categories.   

“We are honored to bring Kris into the company and to have her continued support as we expand to meet customers’ ongoing demand,” says Steve Choi, chief executive officer, Health Nut. “We’re excited to be able to provide more customers with a fast casual dining experience that delivers superior taste, extraordinary customer service and an ongoing commitment to quality, fresh and healthy ingredients.” 

“Throughout the years, Health Nut’s iconic salads have become a fixture in my home as my family enjoyed countless meals from their Calabasas location,” says Jenner. “I’ve always valued how Health Nut has been able to deliver convenience without sacrificing high-quality ingredients and outstanding customer service.” 

Cindy Bailey, former president of Entertainment One licensing’s pop culture/lifestyle division and founder of award-winning brand development agency Art Impressions, orchestrated the alliance with Jenner’s team.  As chief brand officer, Bailey has directed a full-scale creative redevelopment of the Health Nut brand with an eye toward implementing a global marketing and licensing program that will work in tandem with the restaurant chain’s expansion efforts. Dan Romanelli, founder of Warner Bros.’ consumer products division, has joined as a consultant and business advisor. 

The company’s licensing program will have a comprehensive line of Health Nut-branded products, including the restaurant’s dressings, salads, sandwiches and bottled teas as well as healthy snack foods, protein bars and sauces, all made with the same commitment to quality, freshness and straightforward ingredients.  

 “The Health Nut brand is perfectly positioned to meet consumers’ growing demand for clean eating and simple ingredients,” says Romanelli. “They have a loyal online following, and now we have an opportunity to make everyone’s Health Nut favorites available to them where they shop in a variety of ready-made options that meet their need for convenient, healthy food.” 

The line of fresh and shelf-stable foods will be targeted for distribution through national grocery chains, clubs, online retailers and home delivery services.