Salad and Go is a drive-thru restaurant chain that specializes in providing fresh, nutritious, and affordable meals. Founded in 2013 in Gilbert, Arizona, the brand has rapidly expanded its footprint across the United States, operating over 140 locations in states including Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, and Nevada. The headquarters are located in Tempe, Arizona, with food production facilities in Phoenix and Dallas. The restaurant’s unique model focuses on speed and efficiency, allowing it to serve made-to-order salads, wraps, breakfast items, and beverages quickly while maintaining low prices for customers.
The average Salad and Go store is approximately 750 square feet and features a drive-thru lane along with a pickup window for online orders. This smaller store model helps minimize costs and allows for quicker construction in targeted areas.
The Process of Salad And Go’s Establishment
The establishment of Salad and Go was driven by a vision to make healthy food accessible to everyone. The founders recognized a gap in the fast-food market for nutritious options that could be delivered quickly and affordably. The first location opened in Gilbert, Arizona, with a simple menu focused on salads made from fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers whenever possible. This commitment to quality ingredients has remained a cornerstone of the brand’s philosophy.
The rapid growth of Salad and Go can be attributed to its innovative approach to the drive-thru model. By vertically integrating operations—meaning they control every aspect from sourcing ingredients to preparing meals—the company can offer healthier options at competitive prices. This model has allowed Salad and Go to expand significantly since its inception, with plans for further growth in the coming years.
Historical Background of Salad and Go
Salad and Go was founded by Charles Morrison, who aimed to disrupt the fast-food industry with a focus on health-conscious dining. The brand quickly gained popularity due to its commitment to fresh ingredients and affordable pricing.
By 2020, Salad and Go had established itself as a notable player in the fast-casual segment, operating around 25 locations.
Under Morrison’s leadership as CEO since 2021, the company has witnessed exponential growth. By the end of 2022, Salad and Go expanded its presence to approximately 60 locations, with projections to double that number by the end of 2023.
This growth reflects not only the increasing demand for healthier fast-food options but also the effectiveness of Salad and Go’s operational model.
In addition to its focus on food quality, Salad and Go has prioritized community engagement through various charitable initiatives. In 2023 alone, the company donated over 200,000 meals to those in need and hosted numerous educational workshops aimed at promoting healthy living among youth.
The Menu of Salad and Go
Salad and Go offers a diverse menu that caters to various dietary preferences while emphasizing freshness and flavor. The menu includes:
Salads: Made-to-order salads are available with house-made dressings. Customers can choose from several options including:
Caesar Salad: Romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, croutons with Caesar dressing.
Cobb Salad: Roasted chicken (or protein of choice), avocado (optional), bacon, crumbled blue cheese.
Greek Salad: Feta cheese, olives, cucumber, tomato.
Wraps: Any salad can be transformed into a wrap.
Breakfast Items: Breakfast burritos are served during morning hours with options like:
Bacon, Egg & Cheese Burrito
Southwest Breakfast Bowl
Soups: Seasonal soups are offered alongside salads.
Beverages: A selection of hand-crafted lemonades, teas, cold brew coffees, and seasonal drinks like Mango Ginger Cooler.
Salad and Go emphasizes customization; customers can select their preferred proteins (chicken, steak, or tofu) for salads or wraps at an additional cost236. The restaurant also runs special promotions such as “On the Go” bundles that combine breakfast burritos with salads or wraps at an affordable price point.
Special Activities of Salad and Go
Salad and Go is committed not only to serving healthy food but also to making a positive impact in the communities it serves. In September 2024, the company launched Salad and Go Charities, a nonprofit organization aimed at addressing food insecurity through meal donations and educational programs focused on nutrition. Some key activities include:
Meal Donations: In 2023 alone, Salad and Go donated over 200,000 meals through various initiatives aimed at helping those in need.
Youth Education Workshops: The company hosted numerous workshops designed to teach children about healthy eating habits.
Guest Give Initiative: This program allows customers to contribute towards meal donations during their visits; it has raised over $1.3 million since its inception.
Community Engagement: Through partnerships with local nonprofits, Salad and Go actively participates in fundraising efforts aimed at combating hunger.
These initiatives reflect Salad and Go’s dedication to fostering healthier communities while providing delicious food options.
Conclusion
Salad and Go represents a significant shift in the fast-food landscape by combining convenience with health-conscious dining. Its commitment to fresh ingredients at affordable prices has resonated with consumers looking for quick yet nutritious meal options. As it continues to expand its reach across multiple states while engaging with local communities through charitable initiatives, Salad and Go is poised to redefine what fast food can be—healthy, accessible, and community-focused.
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