Nutritious meals grow in popularity in Chinese cities(3)

His first restaurant opened four years ago in Beijing almost out of necessity due to lack of healthy eating options.

"Casual healthy dining places are definitely popping up in China, but the market is still very immature," said Stevenson. "It will still take some time for things to round up."

With his own savings and with help from his family, Stevenson decided to focus on bento boxes and salads, an innovative fusion concept that was until then unexplored in China.

Stevenson said that the concept is very popular among the locals, with 80 percent of his customers being Chinese.

"Our concept is quite unique because it has an Asian aspect to it," noted Stevenson. "I think that it connects a lot better with Chinese consumers than purely Western concepts that are more focused on salads and sandwiches."

The company recently inaugurated its second restaurant and flagship store at the Grand Summit shopping center in the Liangmaqiao area in central Beijing.

The business is progressing well and the restaurant chain expects more than $1 million in revenue this year.

Looking ahead, the chain is keen to explore the health food scene outside Beijing.

"We are looking to raise funds and expand," said Stevenson. "I will love to lock down a new location this year, but it is already mid-year so we will have to see."

Beijing-based Factory Fresh, a catering enterprise and restaurant based within Beijing's 798 Art District, delivers healthy meal plans to the busy Chinese urbanites who want to improve their diet.