Crispers was a Lakeland, Florida based chain of fast casual restaurants with an emphasis on health-conscious fare and a menu that consists mainly of salads and sandwiches.
Crispers was founded in South Lakeland, Florida in 1989 by Bill Whitaker and his wife, Vanessa. In 2002 Publix Supermarkets Inc. bought an interest in the company,Michael Sasso, "Publix buys stake in Crispers restaurants", Ocala Star-Banner, August 10, 2002. and Publix bought the entire company in 2007.Jaclyn Giovis, "Publix goes shopping: Grocer seeks new locations for its restaurant chain", Sun-Sentinel, October 6, 2007. In 2008, the former CEO of the company was convicted of embezzling more than $400,000 from the company.Jason Geary, "Former Crispers CEO Gets 2 Years In Prison" Archived copy, The Ledger, September 26, 2008.
On May 10, 2011, Publix announced they had reached an agreement to sell Crispers to Healthy Food Concepts, LLCArlene Satchell, "Publix to sell Crispers restaurant chain", Sun-Sentinel, May 10, 2011. and the deal was completed in July 2011.
As of 2013, Crispers had 28 restaurants throughout Florida. By 2015 Crispers only had 24 restaurants opened, with locations recently closed in Jacksonville and Gainesville.
The final four locations (two in Lakeland, one in Winter Haven and one in Brandon) were closed permanently effective October 2022.
References
External links Official Website Restaurant review by the Ocala Star-Banner