Protein House, a fast-casual restaurant focused on customizable meals and meal prep, has opened near the 105th Avenue development and National Sports Center in Blaine.
Manager Joylynn Audrieth said every meal is made in-house and can be customized for customers’ preferences or dietary needs.
“We can be gluten-free,” Audrieth said. “Nothing is deep-fried. We just use olive oil.”
Protein House got its start in Hudson, Wisconsin, four years ago. Audrieth said her sons’ involvement in soccer at the National Sports Center helped lead to the new Blaine location, where she saw an opportunity to offer healthy food options for families, athletes and residents.
The restaurant is already doing catering and meal prep in the community, including work with local gyms.
“A lot of people think it’s another shake shop,” Audrieth said. “It’s a full menu of breakfast, lunch and dinner all day.”
Customers can order from the full menu throughout the day. The restaurant has a large, open seating area and follows a casual counter-service format, with customers ordering at the counter and receiving food about 10 minutes later.
Audrieth said everything is grilled fresh when customers walk in, with options including bowls, wraps, burgers, fresh-pressed juices, pancakes, burritos and quesadillas. Customers can also swap protein options.
One of Audrieth’s favorites is the Thai Monster bowl, which includes antibiotic-free chicken. Other protein options include grass-finished burger patties, bison and turkey.
The restaurant also offers vegan options, and Audrieth said many menu items can be made gluten-free or already are gluten-free.
Audrieth said Protein House has been working with local gyms and the National Sports Center to welcome teams and players, including Minnesota United academy players.
“Honestly, great,” Audrieth said of the reception so far. “People are thanking us for coming, for finally having a clean eating option. Every day we have regular customers even though we opened a month ago.”