Founderology Forum

From a Closet to a Scaling Franchise System: Meet Evonne and Don Varady of Clean Eatz

In this episode of Founderology, host Kathleen Wood sits down with two powerhouse founders—Don and Evonne Varady, the creators of Clean Eatz. Their story doesn’t start with spreadsheets or investor decks. It starts with kickboxing, home-cooked meals, and Evonne who had the courage to change lives one prep container at a time.

April 15, 2025

In this episode of Founderology, I had the absolute honor of sitting down with two powerhouse founders—Don and Evonne Varady, the creators of Clean Eatz. And let me be clear: this episode captures what it means to be a Visionary Restaurant Founder.

Their story doesn't start with spreadsheets or investor decks. It starts with kickboxing, home-cooked meals, and Evonne who had the courage to change lives one prep container at a time. From Evonne's humble beginnings prepping meals for six women to scaling a brand doing over 400,000 meals a week with over 110 franchise locations—this is the story of two people who bet it all, lived in closets (yes, literally), and built something extraordinary.

And if you're a Founder grinding it out right now, this episode will hit home.

Here are just a few highlights from this episode:
Don and Evonne share the stories, sacrifices, and setbacks. Like the moment Don handed over the keys to his truck, filed for bankruptcy, and went all-in on Evonne's dream. The closet they actually did live in together for 18 months. And their unwavering belief that they were building something bigger than just food – a movement.

What will you walk away with?

• How gut instinct can be your greatest superpower.
• Why trusting your lane—and your partner's lane—is key to scaling fast and smart.
• How thinking like a customer and acting like a disruptor can open massive doors (hello, QVC and national distribution!)
• Why franchising, when done with integrity and purpose, can multiply your mission.
• The overlooked traits that make or break a Founder—hint: you have to listen!

Whether you're scaling your first unit or leading a multi-market brand, this episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to fuel their purpose, embrace their grit, and break through their next growth phase.

Don and Evonne share their playbook and they share their heart. And that's what makes this conversation so powerful.

Tune In NOW!

So grab your notebook, your favorite Clean Eatz flatbread (turkey burnt ends, anyone?), and tune into this incredible journey of grit, growth, and the relentless pursuit of purpose.

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