Salad-focused fast-casual Saladworks has seen recent success in a nontraditional format by adding kiosk locations within two ShopRite grocery stories. The unusual partnership has worked out so well that the chain is expanding the format with plans to open new locations within Philadelphia-area Fresh Grocer and ShopRite stores. The salad brand also has locations under development in Delaware, Maryland and New York.
Current locations in the greater Philadelphia area include Island Avenue ShopRite, Parkside Town Center and Wyncotte Fresh Grocer as well as plans to open within the Cheltenham location that opens in January. Two new locations are also opening in ShopRite stores in Roxborough and Fox Street.
Saladworks’ pilot restaurant launched with a micro footprint (concepts range from 170 to 250 square feet) within the fresh produce department in a southwest Philadelphia ShopRite last year.
The expansion to more ShopRite locations is greatly beneficial to Saladworks as the brand expands within nontraditional settings including airports, military bases and office buildings.
“We have been absolutely thrilled by the results we’ve seen at the pilot location, and we’re confident that an expanded partnership with the ShopRite and Fresh Grocer brands will be hugely beneficial to both parties,” says Saladworks VP of Development, Eric Lavinder. “This partnership will greatly expand brand awareness for Saladworks and also expand our footprint in nontraditional settings.”
Saladworks first opened its doors in 1986 and launched its first franchise location in 2001. Today, the chain has nearly 100 location across 13 states and two countries.