Lexington salad shop relocating, hopes to help the community in its new location

The Salad Bar, a local salad restaurant, will be hosting a soft reopening at the end of the month in the Idle Hour Shopping Center after moving from another location.

Previously located at 101 W. Loudon Ave. in Greyline Station, co-owner Maya McCutchen said although Greyline Station served its purpose for the past two years, there were troubles with exposure, media, marketing, advertising and overhead costs. The owners rented a stall in Julietta Market, inside Greyline Station.

McCutchen said the concept was “stellar” but it was hard to make a profit on top of paying rent.

“We started to see a decline in customers … the last summer was around the time we started noticing really bad sales, and it just hasn’t bounced back since,” McCutchen said.

The Richmond Road location will offer more visibility and consistent foot traffic as McCutchen said she and Taji Wadkins, a co-owner and McCutchen’s husband, have seen.

The couple picked the spot after months of planning and seeing the available store front when driving down the road.

“People are going to be able to access us the same way we were able to find it,” McCutchen said.

With the move, McCutchen said The Salad Bar will be trying to expand not only its business but its community outreach.

“We are looking to cater to the elderly community and to make sure that they are not just having access to food that’s healthy, but we’re showing them ways that they can engage,” McCutchen said.

McCutchen said the shop will offer a special “buddy system” deal on some days, allowing people to bring their grandparent and get a free meal for them.

In addition to in-house specials, McCutchen said the shop plans to serve underdeveloped areas and conduct food giveaways, food drives and cooking classes for the youth. They also plan on working with other organizations like the YMCA after the move.

The company also works with Seedleaf and Foodchain, two nonprofit organizations, in efforts to teach people how to farm and grow their own food, as well as show how healthy food can taste good.

McCutchen said they hope to have their grand opening in August with a ribbon cutting attended by Mayor Linda Gorton.

This story was originally published June 27, 2023 at 6:00 AM.