WASHINGTON (WUSA) -- A flavorful grab-and-go restaurant has recently set up shop in the historic arts and entertainment neighborhood of Penn Quarter in D.C., offering plenty of goodies to satisfy every diet from a strict vegan to a meat-loving carnivore.
Located at 398 7th St. in Northwest, Protein Bar has plenty of healthy protein-packed options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner including their signature BAR-RITOS with all-natural chicken, scrambled egg whites, organic beef, marinated tofu, and of course quinoa.
Ready to send your taste buds on a wild ride? Try any of their four raw juice options or the mouth-watering BBQ BAR-RITO packed with all-natural chicken, organic quinoa, lettuce, cheddar, and onions, topped with house-made agave BBQ sauce.
No need to walk across the street to Starbucks, as Protein Bar opens at 7:30 a.m., and offers a Frappuccino type beverage aptly named the Monumental Perk, which consists of chocolate protein, espresso protein, your choice of milk, and house-made cocoa malt.
Founder, Matt Matros believes in Protein Bar as he once used the all-natural menu to change his lifestyle.
Growing up in California, Matros was teased for being overweight. At 22-years-old, he decided to make a life change by eating healthy and exercising. In six months he lost 60 lbs., and never looked back. While in Chicago, Matros realized there were no restaurants that offered quick, healthy options for lunch to keep him on track.
His promise to stay slim fueled the concept behind Protein Bar and remains the driving force behind this on-the-go restaurant, which will have three more locations in the D.C. area including Ballston in October.
"There are tons of underserved companies in this area with healthy professionals who need a restaurant like this, and we are here to help," explained Matros. "This is the first of four stores in the area, each one of which brings 50-60 new jobs."
The highly anticipated Protein Bar opens at 11:30 a.m., on Wednesday, August 22.
Stop by and taste the goodness.