**Salad and Go Shuts Down Amid Ongoing Business Challenges and Outbreak Concerns**
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/salad-and-go-080526-c173edb2da734f2b89ab6c032a30d4e4.jpg)
A popular drive-thru salad chain, Salad and Go, will close all of its locations across Arizona and Nevada on Wednesday, August 5, following a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. The announcement comes as the business grapples with significant financial difficulties exacerbated by an ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak, which, while not directly linked to the chain, has negatively impacted consumer confidence in the food industry.
Mike Tattersfield, the CEO of Salad and Go, explained that despite having earned the loyalty of a dedicated customer base, the chain struggled to contend with enduring pressures on consumer demand, high operational costs, and previous growth-related challenges. “This is a painful day for everyone who built, worked for and loved Salad and Go,” he stated in an interview. “We are proud of what we built together and grateful to every team member, guest and partner who believed in it.”
The recent outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a foodborne illness caused by the cyclospora parasite, has affected thousands of individuals and is linked to fresh produce items such as parsley, cilantro, and shredded iceberg lettuce from specific suppliers. Symptoms include watery diarrhoea, fatigue, and loss of appetite. While no cases of cyclosporiasis have been connected to Salad and Go, the prioritised focus on fresh salads and wraps made the chain vulnerable to heightened consumer wariness during this health crisis.
With over 70 locations serving customers, Salad and Go had positioned itself as an affordable option for healthy dining since its inception in 2013 in Gilbert, Arizona. However, the disruptions brought about by rising ingredient costs and fluctuating consumer habits proved insurmountable. Earlier this year, the chain had already exited markets in Texas and Oklahoma, aiming to concentrate on its operations in Arizona and Nevada as part of a strategy to bolster long-term viability.
Within hours of its final day of service, Salad and Go locations saw considerable customer turnout as regular patrons flocked in for one last meal from their beloved establishment. “I’m heartbroken. I’m here almost every day. This is an opportunity to have a good, satisfying, non-expensive meal on a daily basis,” expressed one loyal customer, encapsulating the sentiments of many.
The closure has invoked a wave of emotions, particularly from the founders of the brand, Tony and Roushan Christofellis, who established the concept on the belief that nutritious food should be accessible and affordable for all. Sharing their heartfelt reflections on social media, they stated, “Although we exited in 2021, watching the company announce the closing of its remaining locations is heartbreaking.”
As the brand prepares to say goodbye, it appears that Salad and Go has also withdrawn from its social media presence, with its Instagram and Facebook pages no longer active. Media reports highlight that under the new ownership, the company had aimed to adapt and improve its operations, yet the dual pressures of market dynamics and consumer health concerns proved too great.
Moving forward, the former owners are looking ahead with their new venture, Angie’s, and expressed gratitude to all who participated in the Salad and Go journey. “To everyone who was ever a part of the Salad and Go journey with us, we thank you,” they concluded. “We’re just getting started.”
As the food industry continues to navigate the aftershocks of health outbreaks and economic shifts, the closure of Salad and Go serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by businesses striving to provide quality and affordable dining options. The decision to cease operations draws attention to the need for adaptability and resilience in a climate that is ever-changing.