Operations

Saladworks acquires Garbanzo

Provided

December 22, 2020

WOWorks, parent company of Saladworks, has acquired Centennial, Colorado-based Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh as well as Frutta Bowls, a fast casual concept serving superfood bowls, fresh fruit smoothies and oatmeal bowls, according to a press release.

"Like Saladworks, we believe Garbanzo and Frutta Bowls are complementary brands — all sharing a core DNA based upon fresh, flavorful and healthy food along with a heart for hospitality served through convenient business channels, which appeals to our millennial family and Gen Z guests," Kelly Roddy, CEO of Saladworks and WoWorks, said in the release.

The Saladworks team will take over both brands' infrastructure and operations and Garbanzo CEO James Park will stay on following the acquisition as a special adviser to the CEO.

"Garbanzo has a favorable path for growth post-pandemic and I'm looking forward to working alongside the new holding company WOWorks to ensure a smooth transition," Park said in the release. "Our brand and franchisees will benefit from the tremendous new resources this team can bring to continue the growth and prosperity of Garbanzo."

Roddy said the WOWorks brands were positioned to turn industry headwinds into tailwinds based upon four shared macro growth trends:

1. Demographics: Millennials and GenZ comprise over 60% of the U.S. population.
2. Psychographics: A shared mindset valuing personalization, customization, self-expression and connection.
3. Lifestyle: Viewing "food as fuel" as guests seek out healthy, nutritious and satisfying dining options and experiences to support their healthy, active lifestyle.
4. Convenience: Desiring convenience as provided by traditional and non-traditional segments of the foodservice industry, which include but are not limited to dine-in, carryout, online ordering, curbside pick-up, delivery, ghost kitchens, food trucks, virtual brands and stores within grocery retailers, airports, hospitals and military bases.

Despite the challenges COVID-19 has thrown its way, Saladworks is coming out of 2020 a stronger brand with the acquisitions and formation of WOWorks. The chain added 40 locations this year, entering markets such as Canada, California, Tennessee, Rhode Island, Ohio, Florida and Indiana. Roughly 80% of these openings mark non-traditional presences, i.e. ghost kitchens, food trucks, grocery retail, hospitals, and universities, as the brand continues to flex its muscles as an industry disruptor, Roddy said.

Founded in 1986, Saladworks has over 100 locations in 18 states and two countries.