Saladworks LLC
Saladworks
Company typePrivate
IndustryRestaurants
GenreFast Casual
Headquarters
United States
Number of locations
108
Area served
United States
Canada
Key people
Kelly Roddy, President and CEO
ProductsSalads, wraps, soups, grain bowls, sandwiches and paninis
ServicesFranchising
Revenue (2019)
OwnerCentre Lane Partners
Number of employees
1,500 (2020)
Websitesaladworks.com

Saladworks, LLC is a restaurant franchise that serves made-to-order entrée salads, wraps, soups, and sandwiches.[1] Saladworks restaurants are categorized as fast casual, and the company markets its menu as a healthy alternative to other fast food fare.[2] The franchise currently operates 110 restaurant locations in 15 states and is developing locations internationally.[3] It continues to develop exclusively through its Multiple Unit Development approach, focusing on development in metropolitan areas throughout the United States.[4] The restaurant chain also has stores in Canada.[5]

History

Saladworks was founded on October 1, 1986, by John Scardapane, who served as the company's CEO until 2015.[6] The first Saladworks opened in the Cherry Hill Mall, the success of which inspired the opening of 12 additional locations in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.[3]

Saladworks began franchising in 2001,[3] and by 2007 had 88 locations in eight states, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Florida, and Illinois. Today, the franchise operates over 100 restaurant locations in 18 states and has announced plans to expand into new markets in the United States and internationally.

On February 17, 2015, Saladworks filed a Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition and listed Commerce Bank and Metro Bank founder Vernon Hill as a major creditor. The bankruptcy filing said it was looking for an investor.[7] Saladworks was acquired by Centre Lane Partners in June 2015,[8] and promoted Saladworks president Paul Steck to CEO, replacing founder John Scardapane.[9]

Restaurant redesign

In October 2008, Saladworks began a major branding change, unveiling a new design prototype.[10] Existing restaurants that have adopted the new design, as well as all new Saladworks locations built around the new design, have been dubbed “3G Restaurants” by the company.[10][11] Changes include refrigerated salad display cases, the omission of menu boards, diffused artificial lighting to emulate daylight entering through skylights, and a higher level of design consistency across all Saladworks locations.[12]

Programs

Signature Series

In January 2008, Saladworks launched its Signature Series, which had four celebrity chefs creating a line of seasonal salads.[13]

True Nutrition

To increase the nutritional values of its menu and ensure all pre-made signature salads averaged less than 500 calories, Saladworks unveiled True Nutrition in April 2010, a new menu with over 50 salad ingredients such as avocado, edamame, and chick peas.[14]

Industry ranking

In 2012 Entrepreneur Magazine ranked Saladworks #416 of the top 500 franchises in America.[15] The company was also included as one of "10 Great Franchise Deals" in a 2010 article by Daniel P. Smith in QSR Magazine.[16]

References

  1. ^ "Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce joins Saladworks for ribbon cutting". Dover Post. November 16, 2017. Archived from the original on December 10, 2017. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
  2. ^ Prepared Foods. Gorman Publishing Company. 2008. p. 61. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
  3. ^ a b c "Saladworks chain bought by buyout firm". Philly.com. June 13, 2015. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
  4. ^ Franchise Times. Restaurant Finance Corporation. 2007. p. 69. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
  5. ^ "Saladworks to open 90 sites across U.S., Canada — mostly in Walmart stores". chainstoreage.com. Retrieved 29 March 2021.
  6. ^ Directory of Chain Restaurant Operators. Business Guides. 2010. p. 891. ISBN 978-0-86730-225-7. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
  7. ^ Frumkin, Paul. "Saladworks to open in Singapore". Nation's Restaurant News. Retrieved 6 August 2012.
  8. ^ DiStefano, Joseph N. (14 June 2015). "Saladworks chain bought by buyout firm". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
  9. ^ "Paul Steck of Saladworks". The Philadelphia Inquirer. 15 November 2015. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
  10. ^ a b Daley, Jason (November 16, 2011). "20-Something Entrepreneur Multiplies Success in a Salad Franchise". Entrepreneur. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
  11. ^ "Saladworks 3G: A Re-Model For Success". 13 April 2011. Archived from the original on 22 June 2013. Retrieved 6 August 2012.
  12. ^ Hartford, Jamie. "Saladworks Unveils Prototype Restaurant". QSR Magazine. Retrieved 2012-01-24.
  13. ^ "Saladworks launches Signature Series Salads". 17 January 2008. Archived from the original on 20 May 2012. Retrieved 6 August 2012.
  14. ^ Restaurant Business. Restaurant Business. 2010. p. 99. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
  15. ^ "Saladworks Franchise Information". Entrepreneur.com. 2017-10-11. Retrieved 2017-12-10.
  16. ^ "10 Great Franchise Deals". QSR Magazine. January 2010. Archived from the original on January 8, 2010.

External links

Fast food and fast casual restaurant chains in the United States
Categories