Have you ever noticed how many people say they want to support local businesses? They talk about shopping at local stores, eating at independent restaurants, and choosing local services over big chains. Yet, many still often opt for the convenience of online shopping or visiting large retailers. This is why many local businesses struggle to stay open.
People say they plan to support their neighborhood shops and eateries, whether it’s by buying local produce, attending community events, or choosing local craftsmen. But when it comes time to spend money, many head to the big-box stores or order from massive online retailers for to get lower prices. The idea of supporting local businesses seems like something people want. When in reality, while some people consistently choose local options, most people still find it hard to resist the convenience and savings that larger companies offer.
This shows the gap between what people say they want and what they actually do, making it challenging for local businesses to compete and survive. Sadly, this is exactly what happened to healthy fast food chain Tender Greens. Many people wanted healthy fast food so they wouldn’t have to sacrifice the joy of eating out. But when a brand like Tender Greens finally provided this, it turned out that the demand wasn’t as high as expected.
Rising prices, driven by inflation didn’t make it easy for the brand either. It’s quite disheartening to see that the cost of a simple meal is no longer as budget-friendly as it once was. For many families, especially those with limited budgets, the ability to grab a quick and inexpensive meal has become a luxury. This has contributed to a decline in customer visits, further impacting the revenue of establishments like Tender Greens.
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Tender Greens to Bid Us Goodbye
Tender Greens, a “fine casual” fast food restaurant that provides healthy options similar to Cava Grill and First Watch, began operations in 2006. In 2015, the restaurant got an investment from Danny Meyer, a celebrity restaurateur, who said that Tender Greens is one of those things where the concept is so genius, he wished he had thought of it himself.
The company’s tagline is “Good food for everyone.” According to their website, they emphasize using the best ingredients and cooking with care. Sustainability is also a big part of their mission, focusing on good practices for the food, the planet, and the future of farming.
However, the parent company of Tender Greens, One Table Restaurant Brands LLC, has unfortunately filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Delaware. They reported debts between $10 million to $50 million and assets under $50,000, as well as owing large sums to 1-50 creditors, including $5.1 million to ChixEgg LLC and $1.1 million to Sentry Insurance. The fine casual restaurant chain now joins BurgerFi and several Burger King and Popeyes franchise owners who have declared bankruptcy in the past year.
Tender Greens, which has all 24 locations in California (after closing its chains in New York), has not disclosed its plan for the bankruptcy process.
Other Chains Like Tender Greens
In case you’ve been on the hunt for a restaurant similar to Tender Greens, here are five good ones among many others:
- Sweetgreen: Known for its fresh, made-to-order salads and bowls, Sweetgreen focuses on healthy, locally sourced ingredients.
- True Food Kitchen: This chain prioritizes high-quality ingredients to create a menu that’s both healthy and delicious.
- Chopt Creative Salad Co.: Specializing in salads and bowls, Chopt offers a wide range of fresh, healthy options while also focusing on sustainability.
- Freshii: Offering a variety of healthy food options, such as salads, wraps, bowls, and smoothies, Freshii focuses on providing convenient, nutritious meals for those with specific food preferences or requirements.
- Just Salad: With an array of healthy salads, bowls, wraps, and smoothies, Just Salad puts a strong emphasis on sustainability and fresh ingredients to provide a delicious plant-forward menu.
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From The Club
I’m always on the lookout for fast food chains that are exactly like Tender Greens. I only got to try their food a few times, and I wish I had visited the chain more often. I loved their Harvest Chicken and Grilled Salmon salads. Their sandwiches and Olive oil cake were also really good when I got to try them. I’m really bummed out by this news. It’s so true that you only know the value of something once it leaves. I’m hoping I can still drop by the Tender Greens near me so I can hopefully get a last hoorah.