By Josh Williams
DNAinfo Reporter Producer
TRIBECA— Muscle Maker Grill, the New Jersey chain that focuses on healthy food for the gym-going set, is gearing up to open its first Manhattan location on Murray Street.
The 10 Murray St. location has been vacant for months after 2 Rivers Bar and Grill closed down.
“It’s really for the average person," said franchise owner John Tawfik, 28, who became a fan of the chain at its New Jersey flagship store in his hometown of Colonia. "We will serve Italian, Tex Mex, and South Western food with no salt, no fat and with out the sacrifice of taste.”
The restaurant's Facebook page says the opening is coming soon. A post on Muscle Maker Grill's wall reads, "kitchen staff is hired! store is under construction!"
Tawfik thinks the neighborhood is a perfect fit for success.
"Within blocks there are at least six gyms nearby," he said. "I’ve always loved TriBeCa and community members have already approached me happy that it's not another bar.”