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Saladworks' international expansion begins in Singapore

December 13, 2011

Pennsylvania-based Saladworks' expansion strategy has added an international market.

The company has franchise agreements signed for five new U.S. markets, including Louisiana, Washington, South Carolina, Texas and Washington, D.C., and is also now bringing its made-to-order salads overseas, starting in Singapore.

The agreement with Amos Lee of Singapore outlines a 15-store development with the first restaurant to be opened in 2012 and two more in 2013.

"We were the first to introduce the fresh-salad franchise concept to the U.S. market and have been perfecting our brand for a quarter century," said John Scardapane, chairman/CEO of Saladworks. "We feel that we're in a solid position for international growth; we're excited to start that growth within Singapore."

Singapore was strategically chosen as the first of several international endeavors. The Singaporean government has worked diligently throughout the last decade to position itself as a regional franchise hub. The city-state boasts a pro-business climate, is geographically accessible, has a strong technological infrastructure and uses English as its primary language.

"Singapore is rich in diverse culture and because of this, the people are open to many foods and tastes," said Paul Steck, president of Saladworks. "But, one thing I learned is that they don't compromise on quality, and neither does Saladworks. Our Singapore stores will be right in line within a culture that holds the same belief in freshness, quality and service."

Additionally, Saladworks is in discussion to expand in both the United Kingdom and Middle East.

"We've got the tools and the drive to grow in other countries," Scardapane said. "This is only the first step; we're ready to take this model and use it everywhere."

Saladworks now includes 100 locations in 12 states. The company is on track to open more than 20 new locations in 2012.