Phoenix, Arizona — Popular drive-thru salad chain Salad and Go has officially shut down all of its remaining restaurants after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, ending a brand that once promised to make healthy, affordable meals accessible across the Southwest.
The closures, which took effect on Wednesday, Aug. 5, mark the end of the company’s remaining operations in Arizona and Nevada, just months after it exited other markets.
Company Blames Financial Pressures for Closure
In a statement explaining the decision, Salad and Go said it could no longer overcome a combination of declining consumer demand, rising operating costs, and challenges tied to its previous expansion strategy.
Company leaders acknowledged that despite building a loyal customer base, the business was ultimately unable to remain financially viable.
Executives also pointed to broader industry challenges that affected customer confidence during recent months.
Foodborne Illness Outbreak Added to Industry Challenges
According to the company, a nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak further complicated business conditions, even though health officials have not linked the outbreak to Salad and Go.
The outbreak, caused by the Cyclospora parasite, has sickened thousands of people and has been associated with two deaths, according to public health officials.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says symptoms of cyclosporiasis can include watery diarrhea, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Investigators have linked the outbreak to certain fresh produce items, including parsley, cilantro, and shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms.
Restaurant operators across the fresh-food industry have reported reduced customer traffic as consumer concerns increased.
CEO Calls Closure a Painful Decision
CEO Mike Tattersfield described the shutdown as an emotional moment for employees and loyal customers.
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He said the company’s mission had been carried forward by an exceptional team and embraced by guests who made Salad and Go part of their daily routines.
Tattersfield thanked employees, customers, and business partners for supporting the company throughout its journey, adding that everyone involved should be proud of what the brand accomplished despite its final outcome.
Previous Market Closures Signaled Trouble
The company’s latest shutdown follows an earlier restructuring effort.
In January 2026, Salad and Go closed all of its Texas and Oklahoma locations, saying it wanted to focus resources on strengthening operations in Arizona and Nevada.
At the time, Tattersfield said concentrating on the company’s core markets would help position the brand for long-term success.
However, those efforts ultimately proved insufficient to reverse the company’s financial struggles.
Founded in 2013 in Gilbert, Arizona, Salad and Go grew into a chain with more than 70 drive-thru restaurants, offering salads, wraps, and other quick, healthier meal options.
Customers and Founders Say Goodbye
On the chain’s final day of business, customers reportedly lined up outside restaurants to place one last order.
One longtime customer said visiting the restaurant had become part of a daily routine because it offered healthy meals at affordable prices, adding that the closure was heartbreaking.
The company’s founders, Tony and Roushan Christofellis, who left the business in 2021, also expressed sadness over the closure.
In a statement shared through their current company, they reflected on launching Salad and Go with the goal of making nutritious food as accessible and affordable as traditional fast food.
Although they are no longer involved with the chain, they thanked employees, customers, suppliers, and communities that supported the business over the past 13 years, while encouraging supporters to follow their new venture.
Were you ever a Salad and Go customer? What do you think is the biggest challenge facing affordable healthy restaurant chains today? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
