Health-Conscious Chain Steps Up Convenience

Modern Market Eatery, a Colorado-based fast-casual chain, is exploring new horizons—having debuted its first drive-thru location this month.

The new Colorado Springs unit also offers dine-in seating for 84 as well as delivery service.

“Opening our first drive-thru restaurant is just one of the many ways our team is working to reimagine fast food and show guests how healthy food can be a quick, convenient option for the entire family,” says Modern Market Eatery Co-founder and President Rob McColgan. “This will be the first of many drive-thru locations we anticipate developing over the coming years to provide an even more efficient service model to handle the increasing volume of takeout orders.”

While the drive-thru is a first, the unit also includes two recent innovations for the brand: a mini market merchandise area—a front-of-house addition that the brand debuted in Aurora, Colo., earlier this year—and a double-sided assembly line. The latter innovation was introduced in 2022 as a result of a remodel of the brand’s Greenwood Village location; the new Colorado Springs unit now becomes the third location with this setup, which helps reduce prep time.

Modern Market Eatery prides itself on never using artificial flavors or colorings, trans fats, hormones or antibiotics. Its menu includes scratch-prepared grain bowls, salads, sandwiches, pizzas and more.

Today, the brand has nearly 30 locations across Colorado, Texas and Arizona, including units at Denver International Airport and on the campus of Notre Dame in Indiana.