Saladworks announced an agreement with a multiunit developer for three locations in the New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, areas. The franchise concept is at the helm of expansion from its East Coast roots, and Louisiana, along with Texas and North Carolina, are states with first-ever Saladworks stores planned for 2011. 

“It’s clear that the movement for conscious, healthy eating is on the rise, and Saladworks is the best concept to introduce to the Louisiana market,” says new franchisee Scott Douget. Douget and his business partner, Shane Bryant, have been business owners in Louisiana for more than 20 years. Their business acumen, coupled with their knowledge of the market, will lead the way for their success with Saladworks. Douget and Bryant plan to bring three stores to their home state by 2013.

“This is a great opportunity for Shane, myself, and the state of Louisiana,” Douget says. “I knew this was the right choice the first time I ate at Saladworks.”

Louisiana’s recent nutritional campaign, Lighten Up Louisiana, encouraged residents to develop healthy activity and eating habits. This echoed a foundation of the Saladworks concept and menu offerings—to offer more than 50 fresh, healthy ingredients in the salad case, and educate and empower consumers to make healthy decisions when choosing their salads.

“The Gulf Coast is home to a variety of original flavors and recipes, and freshness and taste are qualities of cuisine that both Louisiana and Saladworks share,” says Saladworks’ founder and CEO, John Scardapane. “So many of America’s favorite dishes originated in this region, and we’re proud to introduce it to America’s Best Salads.”