The basics:

• Konala opens 1st New Jersey location in Belleville July 31
• Healthy drive-thru chain serves high-protein, gluten-free bowls, salads, drinks
• Franchisee plans to open 10 New Jersey locations over the next five years
• Grand opening features gift card, food, merchandise giveaways

A concept that bills itself as “America’s first healthy fast-food franchise” is making its New Jersey debut.

Located at 11 Franklin Ave. in Belleville, Konala is set to begin welcoming customers July 31.

Husband-wife duo Trace and Jammie Miller founded the Idaho-based drive-thru brand in 2023. It specializes in high-protein, gluten-free protein bowls and salads.

There’s also kid-friendly snacking bowls and protein balls, as well as organic teas, lemonades and craft sodas. All items are made fresh on site throughout the day, according to Konala.

Trace Miller’s health journey managing epilepsy through dietary changes partially inspired the concept, as did the couple’s desire to create convenient, protein-packed meals made with clean ingredients.

The hospitality industry veterans spent three years developing their concept and named it after their two rescue dogs – Kona and Nala.

As of July 2026, Konala has three corporate-owned restaurants and two franchised sites open.

‘No fryers, no grills’

Konala began franchising in 2024 with a focus on experienced, multi-unit operators. It has since signed dozens of development deals in Idaho, Utah, California, Nevada and Pennsylvania.

Within New Jersey, Konala aims to add 10 locations over the next five years with franchisee Anthony Menicola.

A self-described serial entrepreneur, the Fair Lawn resident has founded, acquired and operated companies across the fitness, construction, real estate and hospitality industries.

“As a gym owner and fitness enthusiasts, I’m passionate about making healthy food quick and accessible to more people and I believe Konala is a great way to do that,” he said.

Konala CEO Trace Miller shared, “We’re thrilled that Belleville is our first East Coast location. Every new store is a chance to prove that our model works anywhere: small footprint, no fryers, no grills, just a quick drive thru and high protein food that people actually want to eat. Belleville is exactly the kind of market we built Konala for.”

Belleville is exactly the kind of market we built Konala for.
— Trace Miller, co-founder and CEO, Konala

In Belleville, Konala is taking space at a retail hub situated on the former Roche Diagnostics site. The 18.7-acre property is being transformed into a phased, mixed-used development called Park 11.

Konala’s neighbors include coffee giant Starbucks, convenience & gas chain Wawa and popular fast-casual Chipotle Mexican Grill. Park 11 is also steps away from Clara Maass Medical Center.

To celebrate its July 31 launch in Belleville, Konala will hold a 10:30 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony. It will also give $25 gift cards to the first 50 guests and free merch to the first 100 guests.

Other giveaways include:

• Free protein balls with purchase Aug. 3
• Free organic craft soda or lemonade with purchase Aug. 5
• Buy one, get one featured bowl free Aug. 7

Following the grand opening, Konala will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. for drive-thru and dine-in. It also offers online ordering, outdoor seating and delivery via third-party platforms.