Austin TX, January 9, 2026
Salad and Go, a drive-thru salad chain, has announced the closure of all its locations in Texas and Oklahoma, relocating its headquarters back to Arizona. This decision affects around 600 employees and comes after a challenging period of rapid expansion and operational difficulties. The company aims to refocus on its remaining locations in Arizona and Nevada, with hopes of returning to Texas and Oklahoma markets in the future. The closures will take effect in January 2026.
Salad and Go Exits Texas and Oklahoma Markets, Relocates Headquarters
Drive-thru salad chain focuses on core operations in the West
Austin, TX – Salad and Go, a quick-service drive-thru salad chain, is making significant strategic changes by closing all its locations in Texas and Oklahoma. This decision also entails relocating its headquarters back to Arizona, where the company was originally founded. The closures will take effect on January 11, 2026, and are set to impact approximately 600 employees who have contributed to the brand’s presence in these states.
The move follows a challenging period for the company, which had seen an aggressive expansion strategy lead to the closure of 41 stores in Texas and Oklahoma in September 2025. Salad and Go is now taking the opportunity to streamline its operations and strengthen its offerings in Arizona and Nevada, where it currently retains 70 locations. CEO Mike Tattersfield has expressed gratitude for the dedicated teams in Texas and Oklahoma and mentioned a potential future return to those markets when circumstances allow.
Strategic Focus on Core Markets
The decision to exit Texas and Oklahoma is aligned with Salad and Go’s broader strategy to concentrate on enhancing food quality, menu innovation, and the overall guest experience. Acknowledging the significance of these states within its growth trajectory, Salad and Go aims to ensure a sustainable, long-term presence there once it has stabilized its operations back in its home state.
Challenges of Rapid Expansion
Founded in 2013 in Gilbert, Arizona, Salad and Go experienced rapid growth, reaching a total of 146 locations by the end of 2024. However, the aggressive nature of its expansion led to operational challenges that have prompted these recent closures. Moving forward, the company plans to utilize a central kitchen to efficiently service its remaining locations in Arizona and Nevada while emphasizing the importance of fresh, nutritious food.
Impact on Employees and Community Sentiment
The closure of Salad and Go’s Texas and Oklahoma locations will affect around 600 employees, prompting concerns about the local workforce and economic contributions. The company’s leadership has expressed appreciation for the community support received and emphasized that this decision wasn’t made lightly. By consolidating its operations, Salad and Go aims for an opportunity to rebound and possibly resume its presence in these markets down the line.
Future Plans for Salad and Go
As Salad and Go navigates through this transitional phase, it remains committed to its mission of making fresh and nutritious food convenient and affordable. The company views this refocusing as essential for ensuring that it can deliver quality products and excellent service. With plans to innovate the menu and enhance guest experiences, the chain aims to position itself for future success, potentially re-entering the Texas and Oklahoma markets when conditions are favorable.
Conclusion
Salad and Go’s strategic retreat from Texas and Oklahoma reflects a necessary recalibration, emphasizing the importance of focusing on core operations to foster long-term growth. As local businesses like Salad and Go navigate their paths amid challenges, it underscores the resilience of entrepreneurs and their determination to thrive. Residents and stakeholders in Austin and beyond should support local initiatives that promote sustainable community growth and economic prosperity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is Salad and Go closing all its Texas and Oklahoma locations?
Salad and Go is closing all its Texas and Oklahoma locations to refocus on strengthening its core operations in Arizona and Nevada. This decision aims to ensure long-term success and the delivery of fresh, nutritious food.
When will the closures take effect?
The closures are set to take effect on January 11, 2026.
How many employees will be affected by the closures?
Approximately 600 employees will be impacted by the closures in Texas and Oklahoma.
Will Salad and Go return to Texas and Oklahoma in the future?
Salad and Go intends to return to the Texas and Oklahoma markets when the time is right, as these markets are important to the company.
Where is Salad and Go’s headquarters moving to?
The company’s headquarters is relocating from Coppell, Texas, back to Arizona, where the brand was founded.
How many locations will Salad and Go have after the closures?
After the closures, Salad and Go will have 70 locations remaining in Arizona and Nevada.
What is Salad and Go’s mission?
Salad and Go’s mission is to make fresh, nutritious food convenient and affordable.
What challenges did Salad and Go face leading to the closures?
The company faced challenges with its aggressive expansion strategy, which led to the recent closures and the decision to refocus on its home state.
How many locations did Salad and Go have at the end of 2024?
Salad and Go had 146 locations by the end of 2024.
What is Salad and Go’s plan for the future?
Salad and Go plans to consolidate operations and focus on food quality, menu innovation, guest experience, and long-term growth, with the intention to return to the Texas and Oklahoma markets when the time is right.
Key Features of Salad and Go’s Recent Developments
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Closure of Texas and Oklahoma Locations | All Salad and Go locations in Texas and Oklahoma are closing, effective January 11, 2026. |
| Headquarters Relocation | The company’s headquarters is moving from Coppell, Texas, back to Arizona. |
| Remaining Locations | After the closures, Salad and Go will have 70 locations remaining in Arizona and Nevada. |
| Impact on Employees | Approximately 600 employees will be affected by the closures. |
| Company’s Mission | Salad and Go aims to make fresh, nutritious food convenient and affordable. |
| Future Plans | The company intends to return to the Texas and Oklahoma markets when the time is right. |
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