More than 30 years ago, Saladworks was born as the nation’s first salad-centric concept. Now, with around 100 locations, new leadership, an updated look, a refreshed menu, added technological advances and an expanded franchisee support staff, the brand is setting its sights on expansion through multi-unit franchisees interested in diversifying their portfolios.
As more and more Americans focus on healthier eating, it’s no surprise that it is a $10 Billion segment. And the growing category shows no signs of slowing down with nearly half of all Millennials buying a salad away from home more than three times a week. At a time when most quick service restaurants’ sales are struggling, Saladworks has seen nine consecutive quarters of positive same-store sales growth.
“What makes Saladworks ideal for a multi-unit owner is they’re in a super, hot category – healthy, fast casual – and with more than 30 years of experience, they have the structure, support mechanisms and systems proven, which greatly benefits franchisees,” said Sean Fitzgerald, Chief Development Strategist at No Limit Agency. “The new, young brands in the space are trying to do the same thing, but they don’t have the infrastructure and support system, so there will be growing pains for franchisees and the corporate team, alike. The fact that Saladworks has those proven systems and experience makes them an ideal and less risky investment for multi-unit operators looking at less experienced concepts and wanting to diversify their portfolios.”
With so many fast casual and quick service options that feel similar, Saladworks offers guests a unique and healthy experience, but it offers its franchisees a solid plan to succeed if following the path for efficient operations, local store marketing, and more. As the nation’s largest salad-centric franchise brand, Saladworks provides savvy franchisees an investment that allows them to diversify their portfolio with an on trend segment, and the corporate team experience to match it.
“From a restaurant perspective, there are a variety of benefits that Saladworks offers its franchisees that other restaurants simply can’t touch,” said Saladworks CEO and President Patrick Sugrue. “The ease of operations for a QSR is rare, and our model is really simple to execute. Franchisees are able to focus their attention on profitability, customer satisfaction and sales growth.”
Just ask its successful multi-unit franchisees about the brand to hear more about why being a Saladworks franchisee is a good choice. Curtis High joined the system with his business partner Jordan Rideout in 2007 and the duo has grown their portfolio to have six locations across Pennsylvania. They have continued to run successful operations and are currently looking at expanding with the brand to open additional restaurants.
“I enjoy being a Saladworks multi-store franchisee because it’s a great brand and I feel like I’m in the right place at the right time,” said High. “They’re not hard to run, and being a multi-unit operator, I feel like now is the time to buy and invest. With Saladworks’ new look and feel including updated renovations and operating systems, I feel like we’re on the cusp of even more good things.”
Saladworks, through a robust strategic planning process, is focused on consumer and franchisee satisfaction. With a focus on increasing a franchisee’s bottom line, Saladworks is testing a smaller footprint enabled by procurement efficiencies that gives franchisees access to more real estate opportunities, alongside a reduced initial investment. The brand has also enhanced its technology platforms aimed at increasing speed of service while also offerings its guests a robust loyalty program.
“We aim to do our part in helping franchisees be as profitable as they can be, so we looked at what could be adjusted to help them be prosperous businessmen and women if they follow the model and use our support system,” said Sugrue. “This led us to reduce the real estate requirement and lowering the initial investment. When you add that onto all of our ongoing training and provided resources, such as our in-house marketing and in-house operations teams, we are fully backing our franchises with a team that lives and breathes Saladworks and its mission.”
To learn more about franchising opportunities, visit www.saladworksfranchising.com.