THE PLAN: Hirshberg and business partner Mac McCabe turned this frustration into a business. They created O’Naturals, a budding chain where ­natural, organic food meets fast service. “Our primary goal at O’Naturals is to provide food that is not only better for you, but tastes great too,” says Hirshberg.

THE RESULTS: Choose from eleven organic flatbread sandwiches, including hormone-free steak, roasted root vegetables, and wild Alaskan salmon. Shake the winter chill with a soup or a stir fry. Kids have their own menu, with options such as mac ’n cheese and baked chicken nuggets. Top it off with dessert and a natural soda. Microbrewed beer and organic wine are also available.

THE ATMOSPHERE: These industrial-chic eateries are often crowded, but the lines move fast. While you dine, check out the salvaged materials and eco-friendly building products such as natural linoleum tabletops and wheat-chaff wall panels.

THE LOCATIONS: Falmouth, Maine; Portland, Maine; Acton, Massachusetts; and Portsmouth, New Hampshire. A fifth restaurant will open in Hingham, Massachusetts in the spring. “We’re working as quickly as possible to bring an O’Naturals to every community,” Hirshberg says.

WANT MORE? Visit ONaturals.com.