In the wake of the COVID pandemic, health-conscious consumers are driving a shift in the fast-food industry toward fresher, more nutritious options. In fact, current market report from Cognitive Market Research showed a healthy takeout market of $19.9 billion in the U.S. for 2023, with sales expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 10.3% through 2030. This trend has led to a rise in the popularity of salad-focused restaurant franchises, which are gaining traction as viable business opportunities. So, make way, burgers and fries—here are 15 salad quick service restaurant (QSR) franchise opportunities to consider for 2024.

CHOP5 Salad Kitchen

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• Initial investment: $406,000 to $923,700
• Quantity: 400+

Founded in 2017 in Columbus, Ohio, CHOP5 Salad Kitchen is distinguished by its commitment to fresh, customizable salads served in a fast-casual setting. What sets CHOP5 apart is its mission to “create fun, transparent environments where guests can have a great experience with clean, healthy food.” The franchise opportunity is unique due to its streamlined operations, extensive training programs and a robust franchisee support system, serving the growing demand for healthy dining options.

Salad works

• Initial investment: $556,557 – $673,457
• Quantity: 108

Founded in 1986 in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Saladworks is a pioneer in healthy fast-casual dining. The brand is known for its extensive selection of fresh, made-to-order salads, soups and sandwiches. The Saladworks franchise opportunity is unique due to its proven business model, strong brand recognition and comprehensive support for franchisees, making it a stable investment in the growing health-conscious market.

Only salad

• Initial investment: $307,000 to $753,000
• Quantity: 80+

Just Salad was founded in New York City in 2006 with the goal of making healthy eating accessible and affordable. The brand is distinguished by its focus on sustainability and eco-friendly practices, including offering reusable bowls. With a strong commitment to environmental responsibility and a solid support structure, the Just Salad franchise opportunity appeals to environmentally conscious consumers and entrepreneurs alike.

Salata Salad Kitchen

• Initial investment: $286,000 – $1,163,000
• Quantity: 97

Founded in 2005 in Houston, Texas, Salata Salad Kitchen is known for its customizable salads and wraps. Salata is distinguished by its fresh, preservative-free ingredients and commitment to healthy eating. The franchise opportunity stands out for its flexibility in menu customization and strong brand reputation, making it an attractive option for health-conscious entrepreneurs.

Blimpie Subs & Salads

• Initial investment: $242,270 – $564,200 (traditional), $80,780 – $359,450 (non-traditional)
• Quantity: 156

Founded in 1964 in Hoboken, New Jersey, Blimpie is one of the oldest and most recognized names in the sandwich and salad industry. Known for its high-quality deli subs and fresh salads, Blimpie offers a franchise opportunity that benefits from decades of brand loyalty and a solid operating framework.

Freshii

• Initial investment: $175,500 to $581,000
• Quantity: 300+

Freshii is committed to providing fresh and nutritious meals to people on the go. Founded in 2005 in Toronto, Ontario, the brand is interesting for its diverse menu, which includes salads, bowls, wraps and juices, all geared towards a healthy lifestyle. Freshii’s commitment to health and wellness, as well as its innovative approach to fast-casual dining, make it an attractive choice for franchisees.

More than great salads from Green Leaf

• Initial investment: $284,500 to $434,000
• Quantity: 18

Green Leaf’s Beyond Great Salads has been serving fresh, healthy meals since 1976. The brand’s long-standing commitment to offering tasty and nutritious options is a major draw. The franchise opportunity is distinguished by its established presence in the market and a strong focus on fresh ingredients, which, combined with a supportive franchise network, ensures consistent quality and customer satisfaction.

Coolgreens

• Initial investment: $260,500 – $496,750
• Quantity: 9

Founded in Oklahoma City in 2009, Coolgreens offers a wide variety of healthy and delicious menu options, including salads, wraps and bowls. The brand’s mission to promote a healthy lifestyle through nutritious, tasty meals makes it particularly interesting. Franchisees benefit from Coolgreens’ comprehensive training programs, strong brand ethos and innovative menu offerings, all tailored to the needs of health-conscious consumers.

Grabbagreen

• Initial investment: $276,500 – $595,575
• Quantity: 15

Since its founding in 2013 in Phoenix, Arizona, Grabbagreen has made a name for itself with its nutritious fast-casual meals, including salads, bowls and smoothies. The brand’s commitment to healthy, preservative-free meals delivered quickly sets it apart from the crowd. The franchise opportunity is attractive due to its strong focus on healthy eating and its efficient service model backed by comprehensive support for franchisees.

Salad station

• Initial investment: $200,900 – $542,900
• Quantity: 36

Founded in 2012 in Hammond, Louisiana, Salad Station offers a unique pay-by-the-pound salad bar experience with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a wide variety of choices. The Salad Station franchise opportunity features an innovative pricing model and strong community ties. The brand also offers comprehensive training and support programs to help franchisees deliver a unique and engaging dining experience.

Greenhouse Salad Co.

• Initial investment: $100,000 to $350,000
• Quantity: 3

Founded in 2013 in Dallas, Texas, Greenhouse Salad Co. offers fresh, locally grown salads and bowls. The brand’s commitment to sustainability and supporting local farmers is particularly notable. The franchise opportunity is unique because it has a strong focus on quality ingredients and sustainable practices, and offers a robust support system that appeals to those passionate about healthy eating and environmental responsibility.

Thrown

• Initial investment: $232,250 – $481,550
• Quantity: 5

Tossed has been delighting New York restaurant-goers with its freshly prepared salads and sandwiches since 1998. The brand’s focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and customizable menu options make it a favorite. In addition to extensive support for franchisees, Tossed’s flexible menu and strong brand recognition make it stand out as a franchise opportunity.

Soup salad

• Initial investment: $594,000 to $873,000
• Quantity: 3

Founded in 1978 in Houston, Texas, Souper Salad is known for its extensive salad bar, homemade soups and baked goods. As a franchise, Souper Salad offers a well-rounded business model backed by a diverse menu and strong operational support that helps franchisees deliver a consistently high-quality dining experience.

Salad House

• Initial investment: $279,400 to $650,000
• Quantity: 11

Salad House was founded in 2011 in Millburn, New Jersey to create a welcoming environment where customers can enjoy fresh, customizable salads and healthy food options. What sets Salad House apart from other salad restaurants is its commitment to a family-friendly atmosphere combined with a diverse menu that includes not only salads, but also sandwiches, wraps and grain bowls. Salad House’s proven business model and extensive support make it an attractive investment for entrepreneurs looking to enter the fast-casual dining sector.

The big salad

• Initial investment: $265,000 to $507,000
• Quantity: 8

The Big Salad was founded in 2008 with a vision to offer fresh, customizable salads in a welcoming and friendly environment. Unlike many other salad restaurants, The Big Salad features a strong focus on customer experience and interaction, offering an extensive selection of ingredients that allow for highly personalized meals. The brand’s emphasis on quality and customization, combined with extensive training and marketing support, makes it a compelling choice for prospective franchisees.

The fast food industry’s move toward healthier alternatives is not a passing trend, but a fundamental shift in consumer preferences. The projected growth of the healthy QSR restaurant market highlights the increasing demand for nutritious and convenient food. Prospective franchisees have many options to consider in this emerging sector, with restaurant franchises specializing in salad leading the way.

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