Protein Shakes & Smoothies
The originals: blended-to-order shakes and smoothies that hit real protein numbers with delicious and cravable flavors
Chapter 1 — Overview
Protein for every body
Protein Bar & Kitchen started in Chicago in 2009 with a simple premise: make high-protein food that tastes good enough to eat every day
What the brand is
PBK is a fast casual restaurant serving high-protein bowls, wraps, and shakes. We believe in protein for every body in any way our customer chooses to get it. Our superfans lead active lives and need to find a way to get protein without sacrificing flavor, and PBK makes that happen.
PBK was built to help each of our customers on their own journey to being better.
What the business is
A Traditional Location is 1,250 – 1,700 sq ft, inline or endcap, open roughly 7am to 7pm on weekdays and 9am to 5pm on weekends. One kitchen serves in-store guests, digital and delivery orders, and corporate catering.
- Founded
- 2009, Chicago
- Footprint
- 1,250 – 1,700 sq ft
- Dayparts
- Breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner
- Revenue streams
- In-store, digital, catering
- Cost of goods
- 27.7% of Gross Sales
- Labor
- 28.9% of Gross Sales
Average annual Gross Sales for the fiscal year 2025 (December 30, 2024 – December 27, 2025) of the 5 Protein Bar & Kitchen Businesses in the Data Set disclosed in Item 19 of our 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document. All 5 are Traditional Locations owned and operated by our affiliate in and around Chicago, Illinois; no franchised locations are included because all 3 franchised locations operating at the end of the period were Non-Traditional Locations. 3 of the 5 attained or exceeded this figure. Adjusted EBITDAR is stated after deducting an additional 8% (6% royalty and 2% Brand Fund) that these locations would have paid if franchised. Some Protein Bar & Kitchen Businesses have earned this amount. Your individual results may differ. There is no assurance you will earn as much.
The menu
Zero bad choices.
Protein Bar & Kitchen delivers a wide variety of food and beverage items through a minimal equipment package, maximizing throughput and serving customers at all dayparts
Bowls, Burritos, Salads & Wraps
Lunch and dinner options that offer healthy swaps on familiar tastes with full customization for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free customers
Breakfast
A full breakfast menu — protein-forward breakfast burritos, egg scrambles, oatmeals and parfaits to deliver a healthy start
Açaí & Smoothie Bowls
Thick-blended açaí and smoothie bowls finished with fruit, granola and nut butters — ideal for a midday snack
Catering
Full catering offerings for breakfast, lunch, and even our unique on-site blending packages for the healthiest workplace happy hour
Evaluating smoothie franchise opportunities? See why PBK's protein-first menu stands apart.
Our story
One small Chicago storefront. One very big idea.
In 2009 we opened at a tiny Chicago storefront with a very big idea: instead of fast food, serve fast fuel — shakes that were delicious, nutritious, and packed with protein.
It worked from day one, and then it became something bigger. So we kept going. We found quinoa, built out a full menu of high-protein bowls, salads and wraps, and made every one of them customizable for every diet.
Every body loved it. Protein went from niche to normal, and we all started eating, feeling and moving better.
We started a protein-powered movement from that small storefront. We're still going strong.
Who this is for
We're looking for operators, not investors.
The strongest PBK franchisees have run restaurants before and want a brand with real infrastructure behind it rather than a concept they have to invent as they go.
Multi-unit franchise operators
You have a successful system and local market expertise, and are looking for an emerging brand in one of the fastest growing segments of the industry
Experienced single-unit owners
You've operated independently, know your market's real estate, and want brand systems, supply chain, and marketing you don't have to build yourself.
Active community leaders with a passion for hospitality
Although restaurant experience is preferred -- the core requirement for a successful PBK franchisee is a passion for hospitality and a desire to bring a better-for-you restaurant option to your local community
