Saladworks Expands with Robotics

Technology has driven down cost for grocery stores, convenience stores, and restaurants regular readers of this blog know that virtual restaurants are fast becoming the growth vehicle of choice for chain restaurants and entrepreneurs. Robotics are a platform for new electricity with a brand.

Robotics are helping drive down the cost of operating a restaurant, opening new restaurants and maintaining restaurants profitability according to Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®. So, back to Foodservice Solutions® time tested marketing template Build, Measure, Learn, Repeat clearly that is complete as both Chowbotics and Saladworks are moving forward.

Here we go, Saladworks is set to expand its reach into hospitals, universities, grocery stores, and more with the world’s first fresh food robot, Sally.  Regular readers of this blog know that as part of a recent partnership with the robot’s creator, Silicon Valley-based Chowbotics.

The two companies have joined forces to offer a version of Sally the Robot that will exclusively serve Saladworks’ rotating, seasonal menus. Purchasers of the fresh food robot can now take advantage of Saladworks’ culinary expertise and established brand to offer their patrons healthy, delicious meals at any hour.   

Here is how it works, in just a 3’x3’ space, the fresh food robot utilizes precision robotics to assemble customizable salads made from up to 22 ingredients that are sealed for safety and freshness in an airtight refrigerated container. Users can select from SaladWorks’ chef-crafted menu or build their own bowl with their favorite ingredients. Each selection is accompanied by instant nutritional information, making it possible to compose a meal for unique dietary goals or needs. 

The opportunities offered by this technology amplify Saladworks’ mission to provide a healthy alternative to other fast food fare. With over 30 years of experience in crafting appetizing, imaginative salad offerings, Saladworks sees the fresh food robot as an opportunity to further elevate the experience for its health-minded customers and reach them at new times and places.

Kelly Roddy, CEO of Saladworks  stated, “It is our mission at Saladworks to be original in everything we do, and this partnership with Chowbotics to offer a unique version of Sally the Robot certainly takes our brand to the next level,"… "We are excited to bring our healthy and delicious salads to all kinds of new guests across hospitals, universities and beyond. The possibilities are endless."

Beyond brand recognition and menu expertise, food service operators who purchase the Saladworks branded robot will also benefit from SaladWorks’ operational and training support, loyalty program integration, and the Saladworks’ website where consumer-facing menu information and nutritional data is displayed.

This partnership comes at a time when the demand for safe, fresh meal solutions has been heightened by food safety concerns brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. Chowbotics has already deployed more than 100 robots that have served over 185,000 meals to date, and the company is thrilled about the possibilities that will now be opened for potential fresh food robot customers.

CEO Rick Wilmer says, “We’re excited to partner with a brand that has been so successful at leading the way in health-forward menu development. Together, we’re opening up new revenue streams for foodservice providers looking to expand their footprint, at a fraction of the cost needed to open a new restaurant location.” How are you driving new electricity into you brand?

Johnson stated “that in my minds-eye the new electricity must be very efficient for the supply chain and includes such things as fresh foods, online ordering, delivery, plant based foods, sampling, toy’s, cereal, developing brands,  grocerant positioning, fresh food messaging, autonomous delivery, cashier-less retail, plates, glasses, cash-less payments, digital hand-held marketing.

All food and beverage retailers to survive the next generation of retail must embrace the artificial intelligence revolution while simultaneously embracing fresh food and beverages that are portable, fresh, with differentiation that is familiar not different.  Does your retail path forward look more like yesterday than tomorrow? Why?

Foodservice Solutions® team is here to help you drive top line sales and bottom-line profits. Are you looking a customer ahead? Visit GrocerantGuru.com for more information or contact: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us Remember success does leave clues and we just may the clue you need to propel your continued success.

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