STRATEGIC PARTNERS
August 22, 2018
Fork & Salad, a Maui-based fast casual brand with a mission to make healthy, farm-to-table cuisine accessible to the masses, is opening its third corporate location and first U.S. mainland store this year in Orange, California, according to a company press release. The store, 240 W. Chapman Ave., will also serve as a training store for future franchisee operators.
"This marks a major step forward in our expansion plans, Travis Morrin, Fork & Salad co-owner and co-founder, said in the release. "After carefully considering dozens of locations in Orange County, we decided the city of Orange was a fantastic fit. A lot of centers were chomping at the bit to have the first mainland Fork & Salad store, but Orange has a special charm to it."
Morrin called the city a "major emerging area that attracts a huge number of young people" since it's close to Chapman University.
"Our upcoming location sits just a block from The Circle downtown area and already has a few well-known eateries, like Urth Caffe and Snooze Eatery, also committed to the area," he said. "As an added bonus, a new 600-space parking structure will be built only one block away, also serving as a public rail drop-off/pick-up spot. That parking area will service all of Orange, and we're right next to it. We're excited to bring a taste of Maui to Orange County."
The unit is inside a historically restored building that features original brick construction from 1922, open wood truss beams and seating for more than 45 guests. Fork & Salad's menu options include build-your-own and signature salads, produce-forward sandwiches, gluten-free items, kombucha on draft and more, which can be enjoyed in-store or for take-out and pick-up via phone ordering or the Fork & Salad mobile app.
Founded in 2016 by Jaron Blosser, Travis Morrin, and Cody Christopher, the Maui-based concept is also committed to serving and supporting the island's local residents and businesses, with around 40 local employees and 50 fresh menu items sourced from more than 25 Hawai‘i farmers and suppliers.
The brand operates two locations on the island of Maui and is looking to expand across the U.S., according to the release.
