Saladworks and Chowbotics Partner to Expand in New Markets

Saladworks has partnered with Chowbotics to expand service into areas including universities and hospitals, posing a threat to micro markets. Chowbotics' "fresh food robot" assembles customizable salads made from more than 20 ingredients to consumers.  

August 18, 2020 // Franchising.com // Conshohocken, PA – Saladworks is set to expand its reach into hospitals, universities, grocery stores, and more with the world’s first fresh food robot, Sally. This announcement comes as part of a recent partnership with the robot’s creator, Silicon Valley-based Chowbotics. The two companies have joined forces to offer a version of Sally the Robot that will exclusively serve Saladworks’ rotating, seasonal menus. Purchasers of the fresh food robot can now take advantage of Saladworks’ culinary expertise and established brand to offer their patrons healthy, delicious meals at any hour.

Working in just a 3’x3’ space, the fresh food robot utilizes precision robotics to assemble customizable salads made from up to 22 ingredients that are sealed for safety and freshness in an airtight refrigerated container. Users can select from SaladWorks’ chef-crafted menu or build their own bowl with their favorite ingredients. Each selection is accompanied by instant nutritional information, making it possible to compose a meal for unique dietary goals or needs.

The opportunities offered by this technology amplify Saladworks’ mission to provide a healthy alternative to other fast food fare. With over 30 years of experience in crafting appetizing, imaginative salad offerings, Saladworks sees the fresh food robot as an opportunity to further elevate the experience for its health-minded customers and reach them at new times and places.

“It is our mission at Saladworks to be original in everything we do, and this partnership with Chowbotics to offer a unique version of Sally the Robot certainly takes our brand to the next level,” said Kelly Roddy, CEO of Saladworks. “We are excited to bring our healthy and delicious salads to all kinds of new guests across hospitals, universities and beyond. The possibilities are endless.”

Beyond brand recognition and menu expertise, food service operators who purchase the Saladworks branded robot will also benefit from SaladWorks’ operational and training support, loyalty program integration, and the Saladworks’ website where consumer-facing menu information and nutritional data is displayed.

This partnership comes at a time when the demand for safe, fresh meal solutions has been heightened by food safety concerns brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. Chowbotics has already deployed more than 100 robots that have served over 185,000 meals to date, and the company is thrilled about the possibilities that will now be opened for potential fresh food robot customers. CEO Rick Wilmer stated, “We’re excited to partner with a brand that has been so successful at leading the way in health-forward menu development. Together, we’re opening up new revenue streams for foodservice providers looking to expand their footprint, at a fraction of the cost needed to open a new restaurant location.”

About Saladworks

Founded in 1986, Saladworks is the nation’s leading fast-casual create-your-own salad destination, with over 100 locations across 18 states and two countries. Saladworks encourages guests to be original, giving them the option to choose from bowls or wraps with greens, grains or both, along with an array of fresh vegetables, fruits, proteins and delicious dressings. Ranked #22 on Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers and Shakers in 2020, Saladworks has been delivering the most original and incredible salad experience to guests for more than 30 years.

About Chowbotics

Chowbotics makes fresh meals accessible with Sally, the world’s first fresh food robot. Sally’s innovative technology enables food service teams to meet the demand for safe, self-serve meals with customizable bowls made 24/7 in a 3’x3’ space.