Organic Fast Food

The green revolution is fast shifting into yet a higher gear--even with fast food. Organic fast food isn't sweeping the nation yet...But if all things keep headed in the same direction they are now, it soon will be.

Organic fast food is arising as a major market force due to increased environmental concern, increased health awareness, and the realization that world demand coupled with too much government control is not going to let cheap oil return, at least not for a while.

Organic fast food is a success story for capitalism and its passion for the "win-win" deal. When individuals start making enough demands, and when enough smart, talented people hear their demands and respond, you get endless possibilities--why, you can even change one of the most deeply dug in of American institutions, the fast food industry. First there was "think global, act local." Then there were co-ops. Next came the exploding popularity of local farmer's markets, and on their heals Whole Foods supermarkets.

Now, consider Seattle-based company Organic to Go. Founded in 2004, the company recently bought up the four cafes and the catering services of another Seattle-based company, High Noon.

Jason Brown, Organic to Go's founder and chief executive, says, "We're trying to get more food that is of higher quality from organic and natural producers in the path of where people work, and that will in turn help to grow our company. If you stand outside High Noon and look around, there are great offices all over filled with people. That's who the customers are."

Then there's another businessman who runs a lumber company, a building business, and one other business--he's an actor. James Brolin is so enamored of organic fast food that he plans to open a chain of his own where you, too, can grab a grass-fed-beef burger in a biodegradable wrapper, with a side of "skin-on" red potato kettle chips and ketchup that are made from locally grown produce.

"I had an idea for healthful organic food and burgers for your children that looks like fast food, but everything would come from organic cattle, free run. I have a design for that and a promotional thing that, if I just went ahead and did it, I’d have a thousand or two thousand franchises right now. You go to McDonald's and you get stuff put together, but it’s not a hamburger. It’s just shaped like one. [With my idea,]you pay 25 percent more and live an extra five years -- seems like a pretty good trade."

Although this is all only on the ground level right now, it's a set of sparks poised to set off an explosion. As wealth increases, people demand better things--especially food. Even their fast food. Buying food that's locally and organically grown means the food is fresher, less contaminated, and costs less to take from field to fast food tray. It's long since been proven that people are willing to pay more for the sake of their health--but they still want their food to taste great, be filling, and most of all be super convenient. For we're not slowing down anytime soon.

"I think it's good that people are starting to eat better. There is a lot of room for these kinds of concepts, and we welcome them because it expands overall interest," says Nicolas Jammet, co-owner of Sweetgreen, on M Street in Georgetown.

If you're anywhere near a farmer's market or a Whole Foods, look out--an organic fast food restaurant is likely coming to a shopping mall near you. Sooner rather than later.

Here is an interview with Eric Slosser Author of "Fast Food Nation". Have a look I think you will find it interesting.

Return To Organic Food Guide Home