Business of the Week: Energy Kitchen, White Plains
A few years back while working at a family-owned printing business in lower Manhattan, Steven Prashad went in search of health food for lunch one afternoon. He walked several blocks and came upon an Energy Kitchen. He soon became a regular. Not long after he began discussions to bring the franchise to White Plains.
“We needed a concept like this in White Plains. People are starting to eat healthy. They are learning.” Prashad says. “We feature low calorie, low fat, high protein food, all made to order.”
Energy Kitchen, located at 40 Mamaroneck Avenue in White Plains (in the spot where Sleepy’s used to be), opened its doors this winter with service designed for people on the go and a menu to keep them energized. Prashad, a White Plains native and the franchise owner, says he has committed to three such restaurants in the Westchester area. The White Plains location is the first to open.
A health food and fitness expert in his own right, Prashad says he has memberships at both New York Sports Club and Planet Fitness.
Energy Kitchen has a set menu with burgers, wraps, salads and sides. All items are 500 calories or less and everything is grilled, baked or steamed. “Our most popular menu item is the Bison Cheesesteak,” Prashad says. “The meat is similar to beef, but lower in fat and has a lighter consistency.”
Other Energy Kitchen signature dishes include a salmon platter, Buffalo chicken burgers, a BBQ turkey burger, Thai chicken and chicken fajita wraps, a chopped salad with grilled chicken, scallions, tomatoes, blue cheese, turkey bacon bits and romaine lettuce, and the Energy Breakfast Sandwich featuring five egg whites, low-fat American cheese and turkey bacon on a whole wheat English muffin. Special side orders include baked fries that come with sea salt or Cajun spice, a black bean and mango salad, and corn and edamame salad. There’s also a peanut butter smoothie with bananas, chocolate protein and chocolate yogurt.
“We order all our own supplies,” explains Prashad. “We buy produce from local farms. Everything is fresh. The tuna and salmon are all caught in the wild.” The restaurant is spotlessly clean as well. “My number one focus is cleanliness,” he adds.
Prashad, who recently married his wife Maria, has a baby on the way. The family just moved to Scarsdale, but Prashad considers White Plains home. He attended Iona Prep, then went on to St. John’s University and eventually Pace. He originally wanted to be a dentist, but ended up studying finance, a good background he feels for the business he now owns.
“Business is picking up,” Prashad happily says. “We see a steady flow all day with a big jump at lunchtime. White Plains Mayor Tom Roach comes by often. We see people of all ages, even families.”
Energy Kitchen delivers by bicycle throughout the day, north to Barker Avenue, south to Maple Avenue, west to Bank Street, and east to Westchester Avenue. “Eventually we will expand this area,” Prashad explains.
The Energize Me Program is now offering a wrap or burger with a side of baked fries and a zero calorie fountain soda for $8.99. A future Grand Opening special will offer three items from the menu with a fountain soda.
Breakfast is served all day. Doors open at 8 a.m. and close 9 p.m., Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. “With spring weather in the air, we are looking at tweaking the hours,” says Prashad. He hopes to have outdoor seating and is investigating the possibilities.
Visit energykitchen.com or call (914) 422-3100 to order or for more information.
