Fresh, Fast and Grilled To Go – Inspired Good Food in Tucson, AZ

TUCSON, Ariz. - Jan. 15, 2016 - PRLog -- Chris Smith, Jay Warren and Julian Alarcon used convenience and the millennial generation as an inspiration to form their newest business venture, Cup It Up American Grill.  The menu features freshly grilled meats and shrimp, chilled or grilled salads (kale, romaine, baby spinach), white and brown rice, quinoa, barley and kid friendly gourmet mac-n-cheese that are all served in a portable on-the-go cup.  This is the newest QSR (quick serve restaurant) to come to the market that is quickly becoming mainstream for customers that demand fresh cuisine instead of fast food. Cup It Up, American Grill fills that niche!

Diners build their own creations, selecting greens, proteins (short ribs, pulled pork, grilled shrimp, blackened, plain or citrus herb chicken), and sauces. We also have a delicious grilled portabella for those vegans out there.  Our menu has an option for everyone and the portion size is sure to satisfy the greatest of appetites.

The cutting edge idea came from Smith and Warren’s extremely active lifestyle and eating habits while playing golf, hustling through airports and malls as well as just being spectators in sports stadiums.  Smith said, “It feels like we are always on the go and I just don’t like the feeling I get after eating a greasy burger or heavy pizza. I wanted something fresh (not frozen) and without bread.”

“When Jay and I would golf at our club, we would always stop to get a bite to eat,” explains Smith. But a flimsy plate of food, or wrapped up hot dog only made a mess and we spent more time cleaning up than enjoying what we were doing.

“One day I asked them to throw some chicken, romaine, cheese and tomatoes in a cup, add some sauce and a fork, and I was set.”  So Chris, Jay and Julian took this to the next level and made it a reality by opening up their first store in Tucson, AZ.

While Chris and Jay may have come up with the initial concept and have been running multiple businesses outside of the food industry, Julian is the true backbone of Cup It Up as his background has been in the restaurant business for the last 25 years. He has worked in every facet from being a busser to GM that led a restaurant to $8,000,000 in yearly gross sales. His leadership and knowledge of the restaurant business is second to none.

But Cup It Up, American Grill is more than just fast food, it’s wholesome food. Smith and his partners have sourced organic greens, healthy grains, super foods and the best lean proteins to provide diners with a superior alternative to typical fast food fare. This concept is all about providing fresh food with fast food convenience,” says Smith.

“On ­the ­go food does not need to be bad for you,” says Smith. “We offer a fresh, healthy and fast option so people can feel good about what they’re eating.”

Every item on the menu, from the kale to the pasta is fresh each day, a commitment that was important to the three partners as they developed the idea. Customers can choose whether to have their creations layered or mixed together. And it’s no problem if you’d rather eat from a traditional plate or box instead of a cup – just ask!

Whether you’re racing to the greens, running through an airport, walking through the mall or just looking for a good food that isn’t drowned in grease, Cup It Up, American Grill is your new spot to stop!

Contact Chris Smith for more information, employment or franchising opportunities.