Healthy Growth, Strategic Footprints: Inside the Carrot Express Empire

In a city known for its fast pace and culinary ambition, Carrot Express is carving out a distinct niche: health-driven fast-casual dining that doesn’t compromise on flavor or experience. What began as a juice bar tucked inside a Miami Beach gas station has evolved into one of South Florida’s most recognizable healthy concepts—now with a growing presence in some of the region’s most high-profile neighborhoods, including Brickell, Midtown, and Sunset Harbour, and in New York City.

At the helm of this transformation is Abraham Chehebar. "I’ve always believed food has the power to fuel not just the body but also the mind and spirit," says Chehebar. “When I first started Carrot Express, the idea was simple: serve food that’s both delicious and nourishing, at a time when there weren’t many options like that.”

Since then, the brand has evolved significantly, embracing a broader menu, modernized interiors, and a community-first ethos. But according to Chehebar, the mission remains unchanged: “making healthy eating accessible and enjoyable.”

Finding the Right Fit in Brickell

Carrot Express’s recent move in Brickell—Miami’s high-density financial hub—marks a strategic milestone in its growth. “Brickell is the heartbeat of Miami—it’s young, energetic, and fast-paced,” says Chehebar. “People here are constantly on the go but still very health-conscious. That’s exactly who we cater to.”

The space itself wasn’t even on the market when Chehebar and real estate advisor Irma Figueroa from Comras Company found it. As Figueroa recalls, “The broker knew I was looking for something in Brickell for Carrot Express. He called and said, ‘This space is about to come available—do you want to bring it to A.B. (Abraham)?’ It was exactly what we needed: tons of foot traffic, outdoor seating, and proximity to Brickell City Centre and Mary Brickell Village.” This will be the brand's second location in the neighborhood.

The Brickell location will debut seasonal bowls inspired by the energy of the neighborhood, and showcase new design elements that lean into natural textures, greenery, and a more uplifting, modern ambiance. “We’ve leaned into lighter tones and organic materials to match the vitality of the area,” Chehebar adds.

A Balanced Strategy: Urban Hubs & Suburban Strength

While Brickell and other urban hubs offer premium visibility, Figueroa emphasizes that the brand's strategy balances high-density city cores with strong suburban markets. “They do extremely well in both,” she says. “During the pandemic, we focused on suburban centers like Pinecrest, Kendall, and West Boca—locations with strong anchors and demographics.”

This dual-market approach has paid off. Figueroa and Chehebar collaborated on multiple deals across the Tri-County area, including Coconut Grove, Fort Lauderdale, and Pembroke Pines. “We’re very data-driven,” Figueroa explains. “We look at demographics, income levels, daytime populations—A.B. wants every location to feel intentional.”

They’re also eyeing Edgewater and South of Fifth for future locations, based on strong performance in nearby markets like Midtown and Sunset Harbour. “Midtown has been phenomenal,” says Figueroa. “Edgewater makes perfect sense as the next move.”

Staying Competitive in a Crowded Market

Healthy fast-casual is increasingly competitive—especially in markets like Miami. But Chehebar believes Carrot Express stands out because of its authenticity. “We don’t just call ourselves healthy. We design every menu item with real ingredients, balance, and flavor,” he explains. “And beyond food, our guests feel the difference in the overall brand experience—it’s warm, consistent, and never transactional.”

That consistency is a major draw for landlords too. “Sales are what every landlord wants,” says Figueroa. “My job is to educate them on how well Carrot Express performs. A.B. shares enough insights with me so I can make the case. It’s why we’re often able to land spaces that aren’t even publicly listed.”

The team’s ability to act fast and project accurately into emerging markets has also helped secure key deals. Whether it’s second-gen restaurant spaces or ground-up developments, Carrot Express is equipped to handle both. “We have flexibility,” Figueroa says. “And that gives us an edge.”

The Vision Beyond Florida

While South Florida will always be home base, the Carrot Express vision extends far beyond state lines. “Expanding into New York is a milestone,” Chehebar says. “It’s one of the most competitive food cities in the world. If we can succeed there, it opens the door for Carrot Express to thrive in other urban markets globally.”

Purpose-Driven Growth

For Chehebar, the journey of scaling the brand has been as rewarding as it’s been challenging. “The most fulfilling part is hearing that we’ve become part of people’s everyday lifestyle,” he shares. “The challenge is always staying true to who we are as we grow. Fast expansion can dilute a brand—but we’ve been intentional about preserving our mission and our quality.”

When asked what advice he’d offer to emerging restaurant founders, his answer is grounded in principle: “Start with a clear mission and don’t compromise on it. Understand your neighborhood—what works in one place might not in another. And invest in people—both your team and your guests. If you take care of them, they’ll take care of your brand.”