Colorado-based salad spot opens to record crowds in Scottsdale and Tempe
Colorado-based MAD Greens, a fast casual brand known for its premier salads, juices, wraps and paninis, began its national expansion last month with its first openings outside of its home state. Crowds of thousands waited in line for its openings in Tempe and Scottsdale, indicating strong demand and setting the stage for the chain’s southwestern expansion.
The restaurant celebrated both Arizona openings on the same day with its trademark ‘Free Salad Day’. The events drew the largest single-day crowds since the company started its Free Salad Days, attracting 3,000 guests who waited in long lines to try the new concept. The salad giveaway doubled as a fundraiser for the Phoenix-area chapters of the Boys & Girls Clubs, raising $2,260 dollars to benefit the local organization.
“Expanding beyond Colorado has been a longtime dream that I’m happy to say is now a reality,” said MAD Greens Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer Marley Hodgson. “We knew Arizona would be receptive to our fun approach to eating better, and the incredible public response in our first few weeks is testament to the high demand for fresh, locally-sourced ingredients that exists throughout the Southwest.”
The chain currently has 15 locations and will finish 2015 with 21 locations.
In September, MAD Greens will open its second Scottsdale location (Hilton Village), its first Phoenix location (7th and McDowell) and the restaurant will announce expansion plans into a third state. Additional Colorado locations will also open before the end of the year.
“We look forward to continuing to feed the hunger for the outstanding service, better-for-you food and fresh ingredients that has made MAD Greens a staple in Colorado,” said Hodgson.
Founded in 2004, MAD Greens has built a loyal following for its healthful, ‘crave-able’ and customizable menu, highlighted by create-your-own salads topped with premium, farm-fresh ingredients. Certified ‘Dressing Mixologists’ make more than 20 salad dressings from scratch each morning.
MAD Greens also supports local companies and farmers whenever possible. In Colorado, it started its own farm in partnership with Agriburbia in 2013. In Arizona, the restaurant is initially partnering Abby Lee Farms and Duncan Family Farms and is still seeking local growers and products.
Known for fresh, better for you, locally sourced food with a focus on fun, MAD Greens serves up “Inspired Eats,” high-quality ingredients prepared in interesting salad, wrap, soup and panini combinations. MAD Greens currently has 15 locations in Colorado and Arizona and the restaurant recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. All locations are open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. For more information, please visit www.madgreens.com. MAD Greens can also be found on Facebook (Facebook.com/madgreens) and Twitter (@madgreens).
