Saladworks
Saladworks franchises allow operators to establish and run quick-service restaurants offering customizable salads, sandwiches, wraps, paninis, soups, grain bowls, breads, desserts, and beverages prepared according to proprietary recipes and standards. The business model centers on granting single-unit franchises or multi-unit area development agreements, providing branding, operational systems, and support to franchisees. It targets health-conscious consumers seeking fresh, made-to-order meals for lunch, dinner, catering, and takeout.
Disclaimer: This information was extracted using AI from public Franchise Disclosure Documents and should be independently verified. This is not financial or legal advice. Always review official FDD filings before making investment decisions.
Overview
Financial Requirements
6% royalty + 3% brand development fund + $605-$1,400/mo technology bundle fee
Franchise Stats
Financial Performance
Item 19 Financial Performance
Data Based On: 66 franchised outlets in 2024, after excluding 11 new/kiosk/not full fiscal year outlets and 11 additional captive/semi-captive venues.
* Calculated weighted average gross revenue using Chart 2 data: (17 units × $1,151,131 + 16 units × $915,798 + 16 units × $742,173 + 17 units × $467,958) / 66 total units = $818,970.44. Calculated weighted median gross revenue: (17 units × $1,058,805 + 16 units × $918,443 + 16 units × $762,345 + 17 units × $463,817) / 66 total units = $799,654.27. Revenue top and bottom quartiles are directly from Chart 2 'Average Net Sales' for Top 25% and Bottom 25% respectively.
Extracted Item 19 Section
How Saladworks Compares to Other Fast Casual Franchises
Key Insights
- Lower than average SBA loan default rate in Fast Casual
| Franchise | Investment Range | Franchise Fee | Royalty | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Saladworks Current | $590K - $765K | $35K | 6.0% | 88 |
| Tropical Smoothie Cafe | $300K - $721K | $35K | 6.0% | 1,371 |
| TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFÉ | $300K - $721K | $35K | 6.0% | 1,371 |
| FIREHOUSE SUBS RESTAURANTS (UNIT) | $379K - $1.4M | $20K | 6.0% | 1,248 |
| Zaxby's | $1.4M - $3.8M | $35K | 6.0% | 826 |
| Qdoba | $548K - $1.3M | $40K | 5.0% | 652 |
Fast Casual Average 107 franchises | $532K - $1.2M | $39K | 5.6% | - |
* Comparison based on latest FDD filings. Investment ranges from Item 7, fees from Item 5. Showing top 5 of 107 Fast Casual franchises by location count.
Locations & Growth
Outlet Growth Over Time
Total outlets at end of each year
Geographic Distribution (2024)
Outlets by state across the United States
+9 more states
SBA Loan History
Historical SBA 7(a) loan data for Saladworks franchisees (2012 - 2025)
Loans by Year
* Data sourced from SBA 7(a) FOIA loan records. Default rate calculated from charged-off loans.
Franchisee Contacts
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Due Diligence
Litigation (Item 3)
No litigation involving franchisees reported in the FDD.
Bankruptcy (Item 4)
Predecessor Saladworks, LLC (DE) filed Chapter 11 on February 17, 2015; assets acquired by franchisor on June 12, 2015; plan confirmed October 30, 2015.
System Health (Item 20)
Franchise system changes reported in the most recent fiscal year
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a Saladworks franchise?
The total initial investment to open a Saladworks franchise ranges from $590,000 to $764,500. This includes a franchise fee of $35,000. Ongoing royalty fees are 6.0% of gross sales.
How much revenue does a Saladworks franchise make?
According to the 2025 FDD, the average gross revenue for a Saladworks franchise is $818,970.44. The median revenue is $799,654.27.
How many Saladworks franchise locations are there?
As of the 2025 FDD, Saladworks has 88 franchise locations. The company has been franchising since 2015.
Can you get an SBA loan for a Saladworks franchise?
Yes, SBA loans are available for Saladworks franchises. Historical data shows 56 SBA 7(a) loans have been approved for Saladworks franchisees, with an average loan amount of $357,752. The historical default rate is 7.1%.
Is Saladworks a good franchise to buy?
Saladworks shows several positive indicators: transparent financial performance data (Item 19), low SBA loan default rate. However, franchise success depends on many factors including location, local market conditions, and owner involvement. We recommend speaking with existing franchisees and consulting with a franchise attorney before making a decision.
Interested in Saladworks?
Talk to a franchise advisor to get personalized guidance and learn if Saladworks is the right fit for you.
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