Coolgreens is expanding its presence in the Dallas-Fort Worth area by partnering with Dallas-natives Benny and Leily Farzad, who recently formed Farzad Food Group LLC, to open at least five locations in the area. The first is opening this fall, according to a company press release.

“We were immediately blown away by the Coolgreens experience,” Benny Farzad, who co-owns 10 GNC locations across the metroplex, is president of the National Independent Operators Association and has served on GNC’s internal councils for four years, said in the release. “From the food to the culture to the experienced leadership team, everything is first class. We’re excited to see what we can accomplish together.”

Coolgreens opened its first Dallas-Fort Worth restaurant in Southlake earlier this year and will open in Richardson this fall.

“Benny and Leily are born entrepreneurs with a passion for inspiring and changing lives,” CEO Robert Lee said in the release. “The Dallas community is embracing Coolgreens and our dedication to fresh flavors and healthy lifestyles. We are proud to welcome the Farzads to the Coolgreens family and look forward to watching them grow.”

Founded in 2009, in Oklahoma City, Coolgreens has five corporate-owned locations, two franchise locations and a licensed location in the Oklahoma City Airport and is now pushing franchise growth. Earlier this year, the chain hired Kathy Davidson as VP of Franchise Development to help it hit 50 locations within four years. Davidson, who previously worked for Church’s Chicken and Fazoli’s, helped take Dallas-based Cowboy Chicken from just a few corporate stores to several franchised locations across the nation.