1. Finding inspiration overseas
Iocchi, who grew up in Italy, tapped the native lupini bean to star in Zoës Live Med Salad, launched in February. “Everyone knows fava beans, but Italian lupinis are unique to [U.S.] fast casuals,” he asserts. Zoës imports the beans packed in brine, like olives, so they require no prep—a key attribute, as 99 percent of the menu is fresh and scratchmade, says Iocchi.