The once fast-growing drive-thru salad chain Salad and Go is scaling back operations in Texas with plans to close 41 locations across the state. The closures will wipe out all stores in Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, leaving only a handful of outlets in Dallas-Fort Worth and nearby Oklahoma. Restaurants in Arizona and Las Vegas will continue operating.
From Rapid Growth to Sudden Pullback
Founded in 2013 in Gilbert, Arizona, by Tony and Roushan Christofellis, Salad and Go set out with a bold mission: to reinvent fast food by offering affordable, healthy options like fresh salads under $8, wraps, burritos, soups, and beverages such as tea, lemonade, and cold brew.
The brand grew quickly, debuting in Texas in 2021 with its first location in Plano. In just two years, it nearly doubled its footprint, expanding to over 140 restaurants by May 2025. The company even invested in a large commissary kitchen in Garland in 2024, designed to support up to 500 locations — signaling big ambitions for nationwide growth.
But that aggressive expansion now appears to have outpaced demand, leading to the decision to pull back from several major Texas markets.
CEO Statement: A “Difficult Moment”
Newly appointed CEO Mike Tattersfield, who stepped into the role in April 2025 and is also a minority owner, called the closures a tough but necessary step.
“Salad and Go is a disruptive brand within QSR, built to challenge the status quo and deliver something better for today’s guests,” Tattersfield said in a company statement. “We deeply believe in the power and mission of this brand, and in the positive impact it can have for the communities we serve. While this moment is difficult, we know the change will ultimately give us the foundation we need to grow stronger and make delicious, nutritious food accessible to all.”
The company emphasized that it remains committed to its core markets — particularly Dallas, Oklahoma, Phoenix, Tucson, and Las Vegas.
Why the Retreat?
Salad and Go’s closures raise questions about the sustainability of “disruptive” food chains. While the brand carved a unique niche with drive-thru-only service and budget-friendly prices, operating challenges may have made profitability difficult in highly competitive markets like Houston and Austin.
Industry observers note that expansion in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) space often comes with risks. Opening dozens of outlets in rapid succession can strain resources, and even brands with strong concepts sometimes stumble when scaling too quickly.
What It Means for Customers
For loyal fans in Texas cities like Houston and San Antonio, the closures mark the end of a brief but popular run. Customers in Dallas-Fort Worth, however, will still be able to enjoy the brand’s signature quick-service salads and wraps.
With the chain focusing on fewer, stronger markets, the hope is that Salad and Go can stabilize operations and return to a growth path in the future.
A Quick Timeline of Salad and Go
- 2013: Founded in Gilbert, Arizona
- 2021: Entered Texas with first Plano location
- 2024: Opened large commissary kitchen in Garland, TX
- 2025: Expanded to 140+ stores nationwide
- September 2025: Announced closure of 41 Texas locations
Final Thoughts
Salad and Go’s journey highlights both the promise and pitfalls of being a “disruptive” restaurant brand. While its mission of making healthy fast food affordable remains compelling, rapid growth in a competitive industry has forced the company to recalibrate.
For now, the chain will double down on Dallas, Oklahoma, Arizona, and Las Vegas, with hopes that a leaner footprint will help it achieve long-term stability.
