Established
2005
Franchise Units
99
Minimum Investment
$600,000
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$1,200,000
Home Based
No
Description
Salata Salad Kitchen is one of the most recognized pioneers in the fast-casual healthy dining segment in the United States. Built around the idea of fully customizable, chef-crafted salads and wraps, Salata delivers a fresh, interactive dining experience that aligns perfectly with modern consumer demand for clean eating, transparency, and convenience.
Unlike traditional quick-service restaurants, Salata positions itself as a premium yet approachable brand. Guests move through a sleek, open salad bar where they choose from dozens of fresh greens, vegetables, proteins, cheeses, toppings, and house-made dressings. This made-to-order model not only enhances customer engagement but also allows for strong average ticket values and repeat visits.
From urban professionals and fitness-focused consumers to families and students, Salata appeals to a broad demographic that continues to grow as health-conscious lifestyles become mainstream. With a scalable operating model, strong brand loyalty, and a proven franchise system, Salata Salad Kitchen stands out as a compelling franchise opportunity in the USA’s booming fast-casual restaurant sector.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Investing in Salata Salad Kitchen means aligning with a brand that helped define the modern salad-bar movement and continues to lead it with innovation and consistency.
Key reasons franchise investors choose Salata include:
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Strong brand recognition in the healthy fast-casual category
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Customizable menu that drives repeat business and customer loyalty
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Efficient operations with streamlined food prep and service flow
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Favorable consumer trends toward wellness, fresh food, and transparency
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Scalable multi-unit growth potential across urban and suburban markets
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Balanced daypart performance, especially lunch and early dinner
Background
Established Year: 2005
Founders: Berge Simonian
Salata Salad Kitchen was founded in Houston, Texas, with a simple yet powerful idea: make healthy food fast, flavorful, and accessible. At a time when fast-casual dining was still emerging, Salata differentiated itself by focusing exclusively on fresh, customizable salads and wraps, served in a contemporary, inviting environment.
The brand experienced rapid early growth as consumers embraced healthier dining options without sacrificing taste or convenience. Over the years, Salata refined its systems, supply chain, and store design, laying a strong foundation for franchising and multi-unit expansion.
Today, Salata operates hundreds of franchise locations across the United States, with a particularly strong presence in major metropolitan markets. The brand is widely recognized as a category leader in fast-casual healthy dining and continues to expand through experienced owner-operators and multi-unit franchisees.
Industry Category: Fast-Casual Restaurants | Healthy & Fresh Dining
Franchise Active Units (USA): Salata Salad Kitchen currently operates approximately 99 active franchise locations across the United States.
Support Training
Salata Salad Kitchen offers a comprehensive franchise support system designed to help owners launch, operate, and scale successfully.
Pre-Launch Support:
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Site selection guidance and market analysis
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Store design, layout planning, and construction coordination
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Vendor sourcing and supply chain integration
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Pre-opening timeline management and launch planning
Training Programs:
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In-depth initial training covering operations, food prep, customer service, and brand standards
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On-site opening support to ensure a smooth launch
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Management training focused on staffing, scheduling, and cost control
Operational Support:
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Standardized operating procedures for consistency and efficiency
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Ongoing performance monitoring and coaching
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Access to proven systems for inventory, labor, and quality control
Marketing & Brand Support:
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National and regional marketing strategies
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Local store marketing guidance to drive traffic
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Digital marketing, loyalty initiatives, and promotional campaigns
Ongoing Support:
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Continuous operational updates and best practices
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New menu development and innovation support
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Dedicated franchise support team for day-to-day assistance
Ideal Candidate
Salata Salad Kitchen is best suited for motivated entrepreneurs and investors who are passionate about hospitality, health-focused concepts, and operational excellence.
The ideal franchisee typically:
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Has prior business or multi-unit management experience
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Understands restaurant or retail operations (preferred but not mandatory)
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Is hands-on or has the ability to build and manage strong leadership teams
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Believes in healthy lifestyles and customer-centric service
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Possesses the financial capacity to develop one or multiple locations
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Is interested in high-traffic urban, suburban, or mixed-use locations
Multi-unit operators and area developers are especially well-positioned to maximize Salata’s scalable business model.
Financial Detail
| Financial Component | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Initial Investment | $600,000 – $1,200,000 |
| Minimum Investment Required | Approx. $600,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Build-Out & Infrastructure | $350,000 – $700,000 |
| Equipment & Fixtures | $150,000 – $250,000 |
| Initial Marketing Budget | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Working Capital | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of gross sales |
| Brand Marketing Fund | 2% of gross sales |
