Healthy fare gets diners’ nod
Following its successful entry to the Philippines, SaladStop!, which originated in Singapore, will be adding more branches in Manila while it continues to scout for more locations in Cebu.
Two more branches will be added to Manila, which now has 10 spread across the capital’s key cities. This year, the company opened its first branch outside Metro Manila, at the Ayala Center Cebu.
Cebuanos’ rising awareness of health and wellness prompted the company to bring the brand over, said Katherine Bra- ha, co-owner and director of SaladStop!, in an interview on Tuesday.
“We’ve noticed a gradual shift of Filipinos toward a healthier lifestyle. You are now even more health-conscious and discerning. This has pushed us to bring our advocacy further,” said Braha.
SaladStop! aims to “bring freshness back to the table,” allowing customers to choose from over 60 fresh toppings and a selection of 18 homemade dressings.
Known to be the largest healthfood chain in Asia, SaladStop! has a strong presence in Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, Spain, Korea and Hong Kong. Braha said the group is eyeing three more markets to enter in the near term.
Promising customers of fresh produce, Braha said they source almost 100 percent of raw materials from local producers, ensuring the produce is delivered to them within 24 hours before it is served to customers.
“We have partner-farmers in Cebu where we get our supply. Only a little is being imported from Manila. We plan to be 100 percent locally-sourced in the coming months,” she said.
In Cebu, only spinach is not sourced locally, as they were unable to find a supplier with the kind of spinach they were looking for. Still, she said the spinach served in their Cebu branch is sourced from the same supplier as their Manila branches.
Aside from its ingredients, the store’s contemporary furnishings are also sourced from local suppliers.
Braha also sees a rising number of young customers slowly adopting a healthier lifestyle.
“It’s amazing to see young kids coming and enjoying our salads,” she said.
Social media has helped in terms of disseminating information on health and wellness among the younger generation, she noted.
Braha sees a good business in Cebu. She said they are eyeing to open two more branches soon. /