Another national restaurant chain has made its Sarasota area debut, with this one, as its name suggests, focusing on one meal in particular.
Just Salad is now open in University Town Center at 5231 University Parkway Suite 113. It is in The Market at UTC plaza next to another recently opened restaurant, Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza, in the former space of Yaki Sushi Grill BBQ.
Founded in 2006 in New York, with Knicks player and NBA champion Jalen Brunson recently joining the company as a partner and equity owner, Just Salad has expanded to Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C. and Florida. This is the first Sarasota area location for the chain.
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What type of food does Just Salad serve?
The majority of Just Salad's menu is indeed salads, with "fan favorites" including crispy chicken poblano, Thai chicken crunch, and Tokyo super greens with tofu, according to the restaurant's website. There are also seasonal, vegan, lower carbon and digital exclusive options, as well as a build-your-own salad option.
However, Just Salad also offers warm bowls, wraps, and market plates (which come with a protein, sauce, vegetables and basmati rice), all of which also have build-your-own options. Rounding out the menu are soups, snacks, smoothies and other drinks.
What other restaurants have opened, or are opening, in UTC?
Just Salad joins other such recently opened restaurants in UTC as the aforementioned Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza, Ohio-based "chef-driven tavern" Kitchen Social, Greek spot Blu Kouzina, Japanese eatery Zōtō and chef's counter Yūgen — both created by the same James Beard Award-nominated restaurateurs, Jimmy and Johnny Tung — and Mama G's German Bakery & Coffeehouse. Upcoming additions to UTC's dining scene include the Nashville, Tennessee-based BrickTop's, known for sushi, steaks and American comfort food such as its burgers and fries; Olivia and On Swann, two acclaimed Tampa restaurants from the same award-winning restaurateur Chris Ponte; Asian eatery Zen Dumpling, and açaí bowl/smoothie/juice spots Playa Bowls and Pure Green.
Just Salad's hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. For more information, visit justsalad.com/location/154-bradenton.
Email entertainment reporter Jimmy Geurts at jimmy.geurts@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: New York restaurant chain opens first Sarasota area location
