Salad and Go, the drive-thru chain that built a loyal following across Arizona and Nevada, served its final customers on August 5, 2026. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in federal court in Texas and announced that every remaining location would close permanently.
The news came as a shock to longtime customers, many of whom lined up outside stores in Phoenix and Tucson for one last visit before the shutters came down.
From a Small Gilbert Startup to a Regional Favorite
Salad and Go began in 2013 when husband-and-wife team Tony and Roushan Christofellis opened their first store in Gilbert, Arizona. The concept was simple: healthy, affordable salads and wraps served through a drive-thru window, with most items priced under $10. The compact store format allowed the brand to open in tight urban spaces, and it grew fast — at its peak, the chain operated more than 140 locations across Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma and Nevada.
The founders sold the business to an investment firm in 2021 and went on to launch a new venture, Angie's Grill.
Why the Chain Collapsed
Company leadership pointed to a mix of factors behind the closure. In a statement, the business said it could not overcome sustained pressure on consumer demand, past strategic growth challenges, and rising operating costs. A Cyclospora outbreak linked to the food industry in July 2026 — one that did not directly implicate Salad and Go — was also cited as having shaken consumer confidence across the sector and adding to the pressure.
The chain had already scaled back significantly before this final closure. It withdrew from Texas and Oklahoma earlier in the year to refocus entirely on its home market of Arizona and Nevada, where it remained most profitable. Even that retrenchment wasn't enough to keep the business afloat.
What Happens to the Stores Now
In a twist that will be familiar to Arizona shoppers, Dutch Bros — the coffee chain headquartered in Tempe — is stepping in to take over the leases and equipment at several former Salad and Go sites, converting them into coffee and beverage locations.
Meanwhile, the Christofellis family, who no longer own Salad and Go, shared an emotional message online, calling the closure a bittersweet moment tied to the brand they built from scratch over a decade ago.
What This Means for the Industry
Salad and Go's exit is a reminder of how tough the fast-casual, health-food segment has become. Rising ingredient and labor costs, cautious consumer spending, and food-safety scares industry-wide have squeezed margins even for brands with strong regional loyalty.
For now, Arizona residents looking for a quick, budget-friendly salad fix will need to find a new go-to spot — while watching to see how many of those familiar drive-thru buildings turn into their next coffee run instead.