Best Local Healthy Food Chain
Carrot Express
Long before eating healthy was a trend, Carrot Express proved nutritious food could be genuinely craveable. Founded by Mario Laufer and expanded with CEO Abraham Chehebar, the Miami-born concept grew from a tiny lunch counter inside a Miami Beach gas station into one of South Florida’s most successful homegrown restaurant brands — even earning a foothold in New York City with a Manhattan location. The secret to its success has always been fresh ingredients, made-from-scratch recipes and a menu that never sacrifices flavor. Signature favorites include the LIV Wrap with chicken breast, quinoa, kale, avocado, jack cheese and basil pesto; the Salmon Buddha Bowl with brown rice or quinoa, cabbage, edamame, corn, broccoli crowns, roasted carrots, scallions and a special Buddha Sauce; and Mario’s Favorite Chicken Bowl with cilantro brown rice, quinoa, arugula, kale, spinach, almonds, peas, raisins and citrus sauce. The menu rounds out with all-day breakfast, açai bowls, smoothies and avocado toasts. As the company expands, Carrot Express remains deeply connected to its Miami roots and committed to wholesome, accessible food.