Vegetarians, herbivores, and salad lovers, you’re in luck! There won’t be a need to travel to other towns for a salad bar for much longer because Port Washington will be getting their very own ‘Just Salad’ in a few months. Just Salad is a small chain salad company that has become increasingly popular since the end of the pandemic. They opened their first store in 2006 and have expanded from a small business in New York City to having numerousstores across the country, and even in places as far away as Dubai. 

No matter the location, Just Salad has a mission that is the slogan of every restaurant they own: “Eat With Purpose… Our food choices have a direct impact on the Earth.”  

Their top three priorities of the business are health, sustainability, and connection. Just Salad believes it is important to prepare fresh house made ingredients for an everyday healthy choice to eat.  They are also a firm believer in working to help the environment.  With their eco-friendly reusable bowls, they are hoping to give back to the earth while offering a sustainable way for the community to maintain both healthy eating and mindfulness.  Besides Just Salad, many other health focused restaurants have been trending recently, which is great for the environment and great for people who want to enjoy a refreshing meal.

“I’m so excited for Just Salad to come to Port! I love going to salad restaurants, but the large distance makes it a little less convenient, especially for those who can’t drive. I can’t wait to have a local option soon where I can go eat with my friends,” said junior Kate Kerpen.

 Many residents of Port Washington eat at Chop’t, with locations in Roslyn Heights and New Hyde Park, but with Just Salad being closer and having so many options, it looks like Just Salad might take over this town.

“Chop’t is great, but I’m looking forward to what Just Salad brings to the table. If it’s a good ceasar salad, then I’m sold,” said sophomore Tori Kaufman.

The recent trend of salad oriented restaurants is a phenomenal addition to the community.  With many citizens buying from Just Salad, which is healthy and environmentally friendly, we can boost the health of both our residents and our town’s economy.  With a current media craze in smoothies, salads, and juice shots, it’s not a surprise that healthy restaurants that focus on salads and juice bars are spreading like wildfire, especially in the suburban areas around big cities like Long Island and Los Angeles.

“I’m a fan of all these new restaurants popping up.  I like knowing I have a healthy option nearby, it makes it easier to stick to my goals when I’m trying to eat better foods,” said sophomore Noelia Grullon.

The only downside of all these healthy juice bars and salad bars is the expensive price.   Produce, especially when exclusively organic, is significantly pricier than an average bag of normal snacks. One thing that must be changed in order to implement more accessibility to these healthy foods is lowering the steep costs. Lucky for Port Washington, Just Salad makes it less of a financial burden while also helping the environment at the same time! Every time a customer brings in their reusable bowl, the salad cost comes out to $8.99.  This is known as their MyBowl program.  Giving a discount for helping the environment is an incredible idea by Just Salad, because who wouldn’t want to save a few dollars while contributing to a bigger cause? 

Although there is no confirmed opening date, it is certain that Just Salad will take Port Washington by storm and have the salad business booming!