This health-conscious fast-food chain is challenging McDonald's to be healthier

When McDonald's announced its improvement plan last year, the CEO of one fast-casual food chain was not impressed.

Freshii's Matthew Corrin sent an open letter to McDonald's offering to partner up with the struggling fast-food giant.

But the purpose was not to save Freshii; rather it was to bring about a healthy initiative to McDonald's.

Freshii is not the company that needs help. After Corrin founded the chain in 2005, Freshii expanded in the midst of a crippling recession to more than 100 locations worldwide.

Such growth is impressive for a chain focusing on fresh produce and antibiotic- and hormone-free meats, as well as a wide range of vegetarian options.

While on a trip to Boston, I decided to swing into the nearest Freshii to see for myself whether this chain had what it would take to turn around the health of the fast-food industry.