For decades, Fruit and Salad Company locations were popular destinations at area malls. Now its last remaining restaurant in Bushnell's Basin has closed.
"After 46 years, we decided to serve our last meal September 12th," a note posted on the restaurant's door and on its website began. "We apologize for this abrupt ending for our long career of serving you. As you have followed us over the years through our various locations, your patronage has been much appreciated."
According to the D&C archives, Patricia and Robert Bryant, former city school teachers, launched a fruit salad cart at the Corn Hill Arts Festival in the late 1970s. That was followed by a kiosk in Midtown Mall. In 1980, the couple added salads to their Midtown offerings; at lunchtime
the lines stretched across the mall.
A precursor to operations like Chipotle, the restaurants laid out a tantalizing assortment of salad toppings. Customers would select an assortment and watch their salads get prepared to order.
The operation would grow to locations at Marketplace Mall, Eastview Mall and the Rochester Museum and Science Center. A State Street restaurant was short lived.
The Fruit & Salad Company was among the last tenants to leave when the Midtown Mall shut down for good.
By 2008 the mall locations had closed, and the couple opened a restaurant in a quaint two-story building at 680 Pittsford Victor Road in Perinton. The menu included salads, sandwiches and soups as well as dinnertime entrees.
"We have given it our best and now, as we approach 80, this seems the right time to retire," the statement concluded. "We say 'so long' with only the fondest memories of the years we shared a meal and conversation together."
The statement was signed by Pat and Bob Bryant as well as Ralph and Jim Schiano.
Tracy Schuhmacher has been food and drink reporter for the past 11 years. Notice a food establishment open or close near you? Email her at tracys@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Last remaining Fruit and Salad Company location closes after 46 years
