CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. (Restaurant News Release) Saladworks, the nation’s first and largest fresh-tossed salad franchise concept, is proud to announce its first multi-unit agreements in 2011 with two new franchisees, opening a combined four locations, in Fairfax and Loudoun Counties and Virginia Beach, VA. The first location for both territories is slated to open in early 2012.
New franchisee for Fairfax and Loudoun Counties, Mike Lord, spent 25 years in engineering before deciding it was time to go into business for himself. Lord, of Sterling, VA, recalled visiting a Saladworks in New Jersey years before.
“I remember thinking, ‘this is great! Why don’t they have this concept in Northern Virginia where I live?’” Lord said. “When I was finally ready to make a career change, I looked into franchising and did a lot of due diligence on several concepts. I quickly found myself gravitating toward Saladworks. I knew I could be successful because I truly believe in the product and the system.”
Abdul “Abby” Attal, franchisee for Virginia Beach, VA, enters franchising for the first time with Saladworks. A self-described “health nut,” Attal found Saladworks a perfect match for both his personal and professional lifestyle.
“I am a healthy eater, a big salad fan. Once I found Saladworks, I knew I wanted to open one,” said Attal. “I’m really excited to be part of the franchise’s expansion, particularly in Virginia.”
These agreements support Saladworks’ expansion in Virginia, with deals already signed for Richmond, VA. Founded in Southern New Jersey, Saladworks’ presence in New Jersey and Pennsylvania is strong, and the franchise is expanding its core market footprint with this VA deal and multi-unit deals in CA, TX, NC, and MD.
Saladworks is coming off of a highly successful 2010, having awarded 48 new franchise locations to new and existing franchises last year. The franchise plans on a similar increase for more expansion, and thus more brand recognition, in 2011.
“I founded Saladworks in Southern New Jersey 25 years ago with just one store. Now we are experiencing explosive national growth in new markets across the country,” said Founder/CEO, John Scardapane. “The fast-paced, hard working, health conscious consumer base in Virginia makes for a wonderful growth opportunity of a new core market.”
About Saladworks
Saladworks, the nation’s first and largest fresh-tossed salad franchise concept operates over 100 franchise locations in 11 states. In addition to its existing stores, the chain currently has over 60 units in development across the country. Saladworks locations offer a “fanatic’ly fresh” menu of flavorful salads with signature dressings, proprietary soups, Fusion and panini sandwiches. With the addition of the True Nutrition menu, Saladworks’ varieties of signature salads all average less than 300 calories. Saladworks was voted the nation’s number one salad franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine for 2009, 2010, and 2011. For more information on franchising or True Nutrition, please visit www.saladworks.com.