Just Salad is Opening in Western New York

But this one has nothing to do with Pizza. Buffalo is getting a new chain restaurant that focuses more on healthy food. The question is, will it succeed? Will people want more of this kind of dining?

Just Salad is Opening in Western New York

Just Salad is a regional chain with around 100 stores. They are all located on the East Coast, with most of them operating in and around New York City. They will open their first location in Buffalo in Eastview Plaza near Kay Jewelers and T-Mobile.

Now, Just Salad is not literally only salad. They offer bowls, wraps, "market plates," and smoothies. They also have a children's menu. The focus seems to be heavily on fresh, healthy ingredients and also chicken, which is the only meat found on the menu. For those who are vegan or vegetarian, they offer tofu options as a protein source.

Just Salad Pricing

As far as cost, most menu items are around $12 each. That's not cheap, but not terribly expensive. Meals like these could easily cost someone $20 at a restaurant. However, it's more expensive than, say, a Chipotle Chicken Burrito, which is around $9 with no add-ons.

It will be interesting to see how they do. Places like Rachel's Mediterranean, CoreLife Eatery, and Pita Gourmet offer healthy, fast options and are local to the region. Just Salad will go head-to-head with all 3 in Amherst, which will be a challenge. They are more expensive than CoreLife with their bowls, but their plates are cheaper than their Boxes. We aren't talking huge differences, though.

Will Just Salad Succeed in Western New York?

The concern I have for them is that we are entering very uncertain economic times. The why is irrelevant to the fact that businesses seem to be preparing for problems in the new year. Hopefully, that does not happen, but if it does, people will cut way back on dining out, and $12 for a single meal will be a tough sell to a family. Then again, everything is a tough sell in rough economic waters.

The advantage I seem to have is being close to the University at Buffalo, where they have plenty of brand recognition from downstate students attending the college. Plus, they do offer different things that may (or may not) work with the WNY audience. It seems to be working in other places, so one would assume it could work here. However, Buffalo isn't always kind to chains.

Are you interested in Just Salad? Let me know: Pat @WBUF.com

So that's salad, but what about Pizza? Here are the best 50 in WNY.