Konala Brings High-Protein Fast Food to Provo in Utah Debut

PROVO, UT – May 11, 2026 – A new chapter in fast-food dining is set to begin in Provo this summer as Konala, the rapidly growing healthy bowl franchise, opens its first-ever Utah location. Situated in a repurposed Arby's building at 210 W Cougar Blvd., the new eatery promises to bring high-protein, gluten-free meals to the doorstep of the Brigham Young University campus.

The grand opening is scheduled for May 28th, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and will be marked by a series of promotions designed to welcome the community. The first 100 customers will receive free merchandise and a chance to win gift cards valued up to $100. Additionally, patrons who save their opening day receipts will be treated to a free bowl on their next visit, and anyone enrolling in the rewards program will be entered into a sweepstakes for a year of free Konala.

A Family Affair and an Entrepreneur's Vision

At the helm of this new venture is Tyson Adams, a seasoned restaurant leader who is partnering with his parents, Melanie and Laird, to introduce Konala to Utah. For Adams, this is more than just a business opening; it's the culmination of years of experience and a passionate belief in the future of food. His career includes launching his own food truck and earning the prestigious "Manager of the Year" award for Jersey Mike's in Washington state.

This background in hospitality and team building made Konala a compelling next step. "I quickly fell in love with Konala because it offers something different from what much of the quick-service industry looks like today," Adams stated. "The food is fresh, healthy and convenient, and I believe that's exactly where the future of fast food is heading, and I'm excited to be the first to bring it to the Provo community."

The family's commitment is evident in their hands-on approach. They have been personally involved in the building's transformation, undertaking much of the demolition work themselves to convert the former fast-food joint into a modern, efficient kitchen designed for Konala's streamlined model. This personal investment reflects a deep connection to both the brand and the local community they aim to serve.

Redefining "Healthy" on the Go

Konala's menu is its core differentiator, centered on a promise of nutritious, flavorful, and convenient meals. The brand, founded in 2023 by Trace and Jammie Miller, was built on the principle of making healthy eating accessible without sacrificing speed or taste. The entire menu is 100% gluten-free and prepared in kitchens devoid of fryers, a significant departure from traditional fast-food operations.

The focus is on high-protein bowls and salads, with the average bowl packing an impressive 46 grams of protein. Fan favorites like the Teriyaki Chicken Bowl (48g protein, 619 calories) and the Chicken Burrito Bowl (54g protein, 751 calories) are designed as balanced meals to fuel an active lifestyle. This nutritional focus aligns perfectly with modern dietary trends and expert advice. Registered dietitians frequently recommend bowl-based meals that prioritize lean proteins and fresh vegetables as a smarter choice when eating on the go.

By providing detailed nutritional information and adhering to strict gluten-free standards, Konala caters to a growing demographic of health-conscious consumers and those with specific dietary needs, a market segment often underserved by the quick-service industry.

An Ambitious National Growth Strategy

The Provo opening is not an isolated event but a key move in Konala's aggressive national expansion strategy. Since its founding in the Pacific Northwest with a handful of corporate stores, the brand has embarked on a rapid franchising journey, partnering with development firm Fransmart—the same company that helped scale giants like Five Guys and Qdoba.

In less than two years since launching its franchise program, Konala has signed agreements for 40 units across several states, including a massive 25-unit development deal that covers Northern Utah and the Boise, Idaho market. The Provo location is the first of these to open its doors in the Beehive State, serving as a flagship for the brand's regional ambitions.

Konala's founder and CEO, Trace Miller, expressed confidence in the new Provo team. "Tyson and his family bring a level of passion and hands-on commitment that makes them an outstanding fit for the Konala brand," Miller said. "We're excited to bring Konala to the Provo community, and this new location is a great example of how our model can transform fast-food drive-thrus into efficient kitchens." This vision aims to make Konala the "Starbucks of healthy fast food," with a long-term goal of reaching 1,000 locations.

Carving a Niche in Provo's Competitive Market

While Konala arrives with a strong value proposition, it enters a competitive Provo market that already features several healthy fast-casual and quick-service options. Local favorites like Cafe Zupas, Aubergine Kitchen, and Cupbop offer their own versions of bowl-based meals, while national chains such as Chipotle have long dominated the customizable bowl space. Even traditional fast-food players have expanded their menus to include healthier grilled items and salads.

However, Konala's strategy includes key differentiators that could give it a strong competitive edge. The dedicated drive-thru model offers a level of convenience that many fast-casual competitors lack, directly challenging the speed and accessibility of traditional fast food. Furthermore, its unwavering commitment to a 100% gluten-free menu provides a unique and powerful draw for a significant portion of the population.

By positioning itself at the intersection of health, convenience, and flavor, Konala is betting that it can capture the loyalty of BYU students, faculty, and the wider Provo community. As Adams looks to potentially grow into a multi-unit owner, the success of this first location will be a critical indicator of the brand's long-term potential in Utah.