Protein Bar, Boulder

In comic books, heroes are typically born out of tragedy. Such was the case for Protein Bar's founder, Matt Matros. At a young age, Matt lost his father to a sudden heart attack. Matt struggled with weight himself, and by the time he reached 22, he set out on a mission to change things. He lost 50 pounds by committing to a healthy lifestyle devoid of junk food and day trips to the Big Rock Candy Mountain.

But Matt's mission to change things didn't stop with himself. During his weight-loss journey, Matt noticed a dearth of food options that were both healthy and convenient. Protein Bar was his response to this dearth. The Protein Bar menu focuses heavily on high-protein burritos, salads, and quinoa bowls mixed with all-natural chicken and seasonal ingredients. A special blend of six types of vegetables (named the Super 6 Salad Mix) define the vitamin-rich salads, which pair well with drinks blended from fresh fruit, milks, and proteins. Before lunch, the restaurants dole out breakfast burritos and protein-rich oatmeal.

Since Matt opened the first Protein Bar with his life savings in 2009, the restaurant has expanded to more than a dozen locations in Chicago, Colorado, and Washington, D.C. Its menu and its founder's mission continue to gain new fans and ample press attention. Crain’s Chicago Business even deemed Matt Matros among their "40 Under 40: 2012."