10 Best Salad Franchise In 2024
Looking for the best salad franchise opportunities in 2024? We got you!
Ever since Covid, people have become more conscious about their health. Overweight people are switching to eating healthy food such as salads, while others are generally becoming more mindful about the things they eat.
If you have seen a rise in demand for healthy food around you, then exploring and investing in one of these ten best salad franchise opportunities could be great for you.
Table of Contents
Chicken Salad Franchise
| Founded | 2008 |
| Franchising Since | 2012 |
| Estimated Outlets | 250+ |
| Initial Investment | $744,300 – $990,500 |
| Franchise Fees | $50,000 |
| Liquidity | $250,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 5% |
The Chicken Salad began as a small takeout restaurant in Auburn, AL, and has expanded to more than 250 locations in 17 states today.
Chicken Salad franchise requires a slightly higher investment, but its franchise owners make $1,406,088 in AUV, which is a good ROI.
Another great thing about this franchise is that it remains closed on Sundays, allowing a good work-life balance to franchise owners.
Chicken Salad has also been listed in Entrepreneur Magzine’s list of 500 best franchises to own. Overall, this is a great salad franchise that you can consider investing in.
Saladworks
| Founded | 1986 |
| Franchising Since | N/A |
| Estimated Outlets | 100+ |
| Initial Investment | $567,000 – $674,000 |
| Franchise Fees | $35,000 |
| Liquidity | $150,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 6% |
Saladworks is a leading salad entrée restaurant that offers a variety of food items, including Salads, Warm Grain Bowls, Soups, Wraps, Sandwiches, etc.
The company has been running for over 35 years now, which is a testament to its successful business model.
To own this franchise, you must have a net worth of $350,000 or more, liquid capital of $150,000, and a credit score of 700 or above.
Upon selection, the franchisor will offer you 4 weeks of intensive training, and you will be able to open this franchise within 8-12 months of signing your franchise agreement.
Subway
| Founded | 1965 |
| Franchising Since | 1974 |
| Estimated Outlets | 37,000 |
| Initial Investment | $229,050 – $522,300 |
| Franchise Fees | $15,000 |
| Liquidity | $100,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 8% |
Subway is also one of the best options to consider when looking for a salad franchise because, other than subs, it is known for its variety of salads.
With more than 37,000 outlets globally, Subway has one of the most successful business models.
Depending on the model you choose, the initial investment for this franchise can range from $229,050 to $522,300, which is not that high.
If you want minimal risk, then investing in a Subway franchise could be ideal for you. However, their royalty fees are quite high, so consider that.
Giardino Salads
| Founded | 2004 |
| Franchising Since | 2012 |
| Estimated Outlets | 10 |
| Initial Investment | $217,417 – $433,500 (Includes franchise fee) |
| Franchise Fees | $40,000 |
| Liquidity | N/A |
| Royalty Fees | 6% |
Giardino Salads is a gourmet salad franchise that was founded in 2004. They are known for offering mouthwatering salads, wraps, bowls, soups, etc., made with fresh and healthy ingredients.
From low start-up costs to dedicated corporate training and support, this salad franchise is a terrific opportunity for entrepreneurs.
As a Giardino Salads franchise owner, you get to enjoy a flexible work schedule, so if work-life balance is important to you, then you should explore this franchise more.
Beyond Juicery Eatery
| Founded | 2005 |
| Franchising Since | 2007 |
| Estimated Outlets | 38 |
| Initial Investment | $360,921 – $515,650 |
| Franchise Fees | $30,000 |
| Liquidity | $150,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 6% |
Beyond Juicery + Eatery is a health-focused fast-casual restaurant chain that was founded in Birmingham, Michigan, by Mijo Alanis and Pam Vivio in 2005.
The franchisor offers training and support throughout the life of your business. Plus, their operational tools allow you to manage the labor and cost at your convenience to maximize profits.
So if you are looking for a flexible, unique, and profitable salad franchise, then Beyond Juicery + Eatery franchise is for you.
Salata
| Founded | 2005 |
| Franchising Since | 2006 |
| Estimated Outlets | 86 |
| Initial Investment | $646,000 – $889,000 |
| Franchise Fees | $40,000 |
| Liquidity | $300,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 5% |
Founded in 2005, Salata is a simple and profitable fast-casual salad restaurant. They are known for offering customizable salads and wraps as well as signature organic teas, among other items.
The company has a proven business model and operational system and is a part of the fastest-growing segment in this industry.
The franchisor is currently looking for business-minded individuals and will offer the needed training and support to help them set up this profitable business.
Blimpie Subs & Salads
| Founded | 1964 |
| Franchising Since | 1970 |
| Estimated Outlets | 200+ |
| Initial Investment | $74,780 – $524,325 |
| Franchise Fees | $11,900 – $19,900 |
| Liquidity | $125,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 6% |
Blimpie was founded in 1964 and is one of the oldest subs and salad shops in the U.S.
With more than 50 years of experience, Blimpie has mastered how to run a successful business, and you can benefit from this if you choose to buy this franchise.
For non-traditional outlets, the initial investment of Blimpie is very low, starting at just $74,780. The investment amount would go up to $524,325 for a traditional outlet.
Blimpie offers loyalty programs, seasonal promotions, gift cards, 3rd party delivery, catering, etc., which allows franchisees to attract more customers and make more money.
Vitality Bowls
| Founded | 2011 |
| Franchising Since | 2014 |
| Estimated Outlets | 75+ |
| Initial Investment | $208,800 – $683,140 |
| Franchise Fees | $40,000 |
| Liquidity | $150,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 6% |
Vitality Bowls is a superfood cafe founded in 2011 in San Ramon, CA, and started franchising in 2014.
This chain is known for offering superfoods such as acerola, pitaya, graviola, etc., as well as salads, soups, panini, fresh juice, etc.
Vitality Bowls is a great franchise opportunity for those who are looking to offer a broader menu with diverse items.
Salad Station
| Founded | 2012 |
| Franchising Since | 2015 |
| Estimated Outlets | 28 |
| Initial Investment | $200,900 – $542,900 |
| Franchise Fees | $35,000 |
| Liquidity | N/A |
| Royalty Fees | 6% |
Salad Station was founded in 2012 by Louisiana vegetable farmers and is known for offering 100+ fresh, farm-inspired ingredients and dishes.
Salad Station has a low investment requirement and is capable of generating $709,510 in annual revenue. The company has grown to 28 locations already and is planning to grow to 50 locations by the end of 2024.
This franchise also remains closed on Sundays, allowing owners to enjoy work-life balance. So, if you are looking for a franchise that ticks all the boxes, then the Salad Station franchise is for you.
Comparison Of 5 Best Salad Franchise Opportunities
| Company | Founded | Outlets | Franchise Fee | Initial Investment | Royalty Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saladworks | 1986 | 100+ | $35,000 | $567,000 – $674,000 | 6% |
| Giardino Salads | 2004 | 10 | $40,000 | $217,417 – $433,500 | 6% |
| Chicken Salad Franchise | 2008 | 250+ | $50,000 | $744,300 – $990,500 | 5% |
| Salata | 2005 | 86 | $40,000 | $646,000 – $889,000 | 5% |
| Subway | 1965 | 37,000 | $15,000 | $229,050 – $522,300 | 8% |
When Should You Choose A Salad Franchise?
Before you choose to invest in a salad franchise, you must ask yourself the following questions:
What Are Your Business Goals?
Knowing your business goals will help you a lot in choosing a salad franchise.
Find out if your end goal is making a lot of profits or if you want to bring a healthy change in your local community.
Do you want a work-life balance or want to own multiple franchise units?
Once you determine your end goal, it will become easy for you to narrow down your options and choose a salad franchise that fits your goals and needs.
Can You Deal With Limited Control Over Your Business?
Investing in a franchise allows you to benefit from your existing customer base and brand image.
However, in a franchise business, you are supposed to follow the rules and regulations set by the franchisor. So you only get limited control and say in the business operation.
If you can sacrifice this for the aforementioned benefits, only then franchise. Otherwise, you are better off starting an individual business.
Things You Need To Know Before Choosing A Salad Franchise
Here are some important things to consider before you choose to invest in a salad franchise:
Marketing & Royalty Fees
Ensure you find out the percentage of marketing and royalty fees the franchisor charges. This can range from 2% to 10% and will be deducted directly from your profits each month.
So invest in a salad franchise that charges this fee on the lower side of the bracket. Anything less than 6% for royalty fees and 2% for marketing fees is ideal.
Payback Period
The payback period of a franchise refers to the time it will take for you to recoup your initial investment.
The lower this period, the faster you will be able to enjoy profits. So consider the investment and potential revenue to find out the payback period and invest accordingly. Anything less than 5-6 years is good.
Failure Rate
Another important thing to find out before investing in a salad franchise is the failure rate. Failure rate refers to the total number of franchised outlets that open and close in a year.
You might want to invest in a franchise with a very low or zero failure rate to avoid risky options.
Wrap Up
As people are adapting to a healthy lifestyle, there is an increase in the demand for healthy food such as salads.
And if there is a demand for this business where you live, then investing in a salad franchise could be great for you.
The ten best salad franchise opportunities that we have shared in this guide are some of the best options that you will find. But make sure you do in-depth research after picking a suitable franchise.
FAQ’s
How Much Does A Salad Franchise Cost?
The cost for a salad franchise could vary depending on the brand you choose to invest in. However, on average, you can expect to spend anywhere between $74,780 and $990,500 to open a salad franchise.
How Much Can I Make From A Salad Franchise?
It is hard to pinpoint the exact amount that you can make from a salad franchise. But if your business does well, you can easily make a six-figure income annually.
Is Salad Business Profitable?
If there is demand for healthy foods and salads where you live, then a salad business can be profitable. However, the food cost in this business tends to be high, so you must do your research carefully before you invest your money in this industry.
Which Is The Cheapest Salad Franchise To Own?
Blimpie Subs & Salads is the cheapest franchise to own, with investment starting at just $74,780 for a non-traditional outlet.
What Is The Profit Margin In The Salad Industry?
The profit margin of a salad business can vary depending on the brand you invest in, its business model, pricing, location, etc. However, on average, you can expect this amount to be between 15% to 20%.
