Closing of 41 Salad and Go locations in Texas announced
Salad and Go Undergoes Major Changes Amidst Closures and Reorganisation
After a surprising move to bring on former Wingstop CEO Charlie Morrison in 2022, Salad and Go is facing a significant transformation. The fast-food chain, owned by Volt Investment Holdings, has announced a round of closures, affecting 41 locations across Texas.
The closures, which include locations in Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and a few in the Dallas area, represent about two-thirds of the chain's Texas locations. This decision comes as the company aims to focus on improving quality, driving innovation, and building community.
Despite the closures, Salad and Go finished 2024 with 146 restaurants, more than triple the number it operated in 2021. The company's strategy has been under scrutiny, with one source estimating that the chain would have fewer than 100 locations after this current round of closures.
Mike Tattersfield, who was named CEO in April, made a statement about the closures. He acknowledged the difficulty of the moment but expressed confidence in the changes, stating that they would provide the foundation needed for the company to grow stronger and make delicious, nutritious food accessible to all.
Tattersfield, who has helmed Caribou Coffee, Einstein Restaurant Group, and most recently was chairman of Panera Brands, has a proven track record in the food industry. He took over from Morrison, who stepped down in November over a difference in strategy with the board of directors. Morrison has since taken over as CEO of the sandwich chain Jersey Mike's.
Salad and Go was founded in Arizona, which remains its stronghold. The company later moved its headquarters to Texas and opened a large central kitchen facility in the state. Despite earlier media reports of closures earlier this year, including one in Arizona and another in Texas in February, the company has continued to expand.
In a bid to strengthen its presence, Salad and Go plans to focus on the Dallas Metro area and Oklahoma, where it has 10 units. The company's quick-service, drive-thru-focused concept, which sells salads cheaply with no indoor seating and all prep work done at production facilities, remains its unique selling point.
With these changes, Salad and Go aims to emerge stronger, offering high-quality, nutritious food to a wider audience. As Tattersfield puts it, "This moment is difficult, but the change will ultimately give the company the foundation it needs to grow stronger and make delicious, nutritious food accessible to all."
