Tender Greens was created and founded  in Culver City, Los Angeles in 2006 by fine dining alums Erik Oberholtzer, David Dressler and Matt Lyman who met while working at the esteemed luxury hotel Shutters On The Beach. On their days off, the three couldn’t afford to eat the type of food they had become accustomed to cooking, while the widely available and affordable option was unhealthy, fast food.

Tender Greens was created to meet this need and “democratize” fine dining food, making it delicious, healthful, seasonal and affordable. Tender Greens revolutionized what “fast food” meant, pioneering a new category of healthy yet accessible restaurants, and ultimately paved the way for a slew of other farm-to-fork concepts. Beyond its flavorful food and warm hospitality, Tender Greens continues to attract a loyal local following thanks to the founders’ progressive thought-leadership, commitment to its communities, 360° commitment to sustainability, and value in innovation with their farming partners.