Begin and End Your Day at Start!

Start was founded by Dallas native, Erin McKool with one vision in mind: To create a fast food concept that promotes a healthy lifestyle and incorporates organic and locally sourced ingredients. An impossible feat to some, but Start is proving to the competition that this isn’t just a fad. 

I recently visited their flagship location on Greenville Avenue and felt like a child in wonderland. The decor is modern and elegant with appeal to both adults and little ones. Branches and bird houses fill the wall space, a succulent garden floats above tables, and over-sized geometric shapes hang from the ceiling. My favorite element was the children’s reading area complete with all kinds of books to entertain and delight young minds.

Breakfast in a hurry is something we are all too familiar with. I hardly ever…ok never wake up and hop to the kitchen to scramble up some eggs. I’m lucky if I have enough time to brew a cup of coffee in the Keurig before frantically running out the door. Thankfully, Start feels my pain. Not only do they offer fresh juice and tea, but you can order your favorite morning fuel. Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte, or Americano, they’ve got it all! Even Pumpkin Spice! Pair it with a Pumpkin Loaf for the ultimate cold weather combo!

Working through lunch or only have a few minutes? Make a healthier drive-thru choice and show your body some love. Start can energize your mind with one of their Smoothies. Full of vitamins and antioxidants, my go-to is the Blueberry- Pomegranate made with a local honey and an organic vanilla yogurt. If dairy free is the way to be, no problem! Ask for almond or soy milk instead.

A seasonal salad can be just the thing to pull you through those afternoon meetings and conference calls! The Fall Quinoa Salad is just the ticket! I added grilled chicken to mine for some additional substance.

The very first time I dined at Start, not long after they opened, I ordered one of the best wraps I’d ever had. I told every one I could about it! Needless to say when I went back this was on the top of my list. The Turkey & Raspberry Chipotle Wrap is so fresh, filling, and most importantly, yummy! Spinach, carrots, apples, reduced-fat cream cheese, pecan spread, and a raspberry chipotle sauce on your choice of whole wheat, spinach, or gluten-free tortilla.

I’m a burger fiend, plain and simple. I love ’em, could eat one every day. To be perfectly honest, I was actually shocked to see burgers on the menu as they aren’t generally thought of as being the healthiest of food options. Start has figured out how to make an American classic new again. They use only 100% grass fed beef, offer a vegan option, fresh toppings, even organic ketchup and mustard, and a gluten-free bun. When is the last time you heard of a fast food spot offering these things? Um…never! Make sure to pair it with Sweet Potato Tots! Haven’t seen these on any other menu yet.

Are you more of a chick-a-terian? Give their Grilled or Breaded Chicken Sandwich a whirl! A juicy chicken breast , romaine, tomato, and a house-made dijonnaise. I went for breaded because I was feeling wild that day.

In the few years since Start has been open, they’ve been voted one of the Best Breakfast Spots, Best Veggie Burger, and Best Fast food by the Dallas Observer. Eater Dallas has listed Start on numerous Best Of lists including Best Fancy Fast Food, Places to Eat Healthy, Kid-Friendly, and Excellent Gluten-Free Options. For more articles, full menu, locations, and additional information visit their website here.

Full disclosure: I received lunch for my review. All opinions are mine.