A fast-growing wellness franchise is preparing to make its Massachusetts debut in Burlington.
Project LeanNation (PLN) will soon open at 101 Middlesex Turnpike, Suite 320, with a grand opening planned for July 25, 2026. Founded in 2012 by CEO Tim Dougherty, the brand has grown from a home-based meal prep operation into a nationwide network of more than 30 locations focused on nutrition, accountability, and community support.
According to franchisee Shweta Jain, the upcoming Burlington location will offer chef-crafted, macro-balanced meals alongside one-to-one nutrition coaching, which is free for customers purchasing meals and available to others for just $25 per session. Meals are made with gluten-free, seed-oil-free ingredients and contain no preservatives or additives, while coaching services help customers build sustainable habits and track progress toward their goals.
The menu will rotate every 10 weeks and will feature roughly 30 prepared meals at any given time, including both Lifestyle and Athlete options tailored to different nutritional needs. Customers can also visit a fresh shake bar serving made-to-order protein shakes crafted with ingredients such as fresh fruit, oats, nut butters, and almond milk.
But Jain says the coaching component is what truly sets the concept apart. Members begin with an InBody scan, develop a personalized plan based on their goals, and receive ongoing check-ins to help them stay on track.
Beyond meals and coaching, Jain hopes to turn the Burlington store into a community wellness hub. Plans include hosting educational events, guest speakers, and partnerships with local health professionals, from dietitians and physical therapists to physicians specializing in women’s health. The space will also feature a large communal table designed to encourage connection and conversation among guests.
“We are not just a meal prep service,” Jain told What Now Boston. “We don’t want to hand people a box of food and walk away.”
That philosophy is what first drew Jain—a former Google engineer—to the concept. Five years ago, she was diagnosed with Cushing syndrome, a rare hormonal disorder that forced her to step away from her corporate career and focus on recovery. Once her health improved, she began searching for work that felt more meaningful.
“Especially after the health setback, it kind of forces you to recognize that your time on Earth is finite, so why not do something that you care about more?” Jain explained. “So that’s really the genesis of how I started exploring, and then I met the founders of ProjectLean Nation.”
Jain hopes the business can help fill what she sees as a gap in the American healthcare system. While doctors and hospitals excel at treating illness, she believes prevention, nutrition education, and ongoing accountability are often overlooked.
Ahead of opening, the team is offering a limited number of Founding Member spots for early supporters. Participants can try the program when the store opens and receive a lifetime discount on meals, with no membership fees, contracts, or long-term commitments.
For Jain, the mission extends beyond nutrition. “I’m not out to solve every problem in the world, but I do believe that what we’re bringing provides a little bit of hope, education, and support to everyone,” she said. “The whole concept of Project LeanNation is to bring a little bit of good to the community.”
For sneak peeks and updates ahead of the Burlington opening, be sure to follow Project LeanNation on Facebook and Instagram.
