Eat Salad: An Inspiring Success Story of the Girondin Salad Bar

With nearly 100 restaurants and an inspiring franchise model, Eat Salad proves that freshness, innovation, and success can go hand in hand with rapid and sustainable growth.

A Bold Entrepreneurial Journey

Founded in 2014 in Bordeaux by brothers Antoine and Joseph Barat, Eat Salad is an entrepreneurial adventure that, in less than ten years, has turned an innovative concept into a benchmark in France's fast-casual dining industry. The idea was born in 2012 during a trip to New York, where Antoine, impressed by the success of a salad bar in Times Square, saw a unique opportunity for the French market, which was then dominated by burgers and sandwiches.

A Vision Focused on Freshness and Customization

With his brother Joseph, a trained chef, they designed a fast-casual dining model centered around made-to-order salads. In April 2013, they opened their first pilot restaurant in downtown Bordeaux, quickly followed by a second location. Eat Salad offers a menu where customers choose their base (salad, rice, pasta, etc.) and personalize their dish with fresh ingredients sourced from a network of local cooperatives.

A Successful Franchise Model

Inspired by McDonald's franchise system, the Barat brothers chose this model for their expansion. Each franchisee operates as an independent business owner, ensuring a strong personal commitment. This approach has allowed Eat Salad to grow while maintaining high quality standards. On average, each restaurant generates an annual turnover of €1 million, and the current 50 franchisees are set to expand rapidly, aiming to reach 90 to 100 partners.

Unlimited Ambition

In 2024, Eat Salad will surpass the milestone of 100 restaurants. With a goal of opening 30 new locations per year, the Barat brothers are targeting strategic locations, including airports and service stations, with plans for international expansion. The company has successfully adapted to post-Covid changes by reducing store sizes and strengthening delivery and takeout options.

Toward Sustainable Growth

With a consolidated revenue of €65 million in 2023, Antoine and Joseph Barat continue to prioritize franchising while gradually transferring ownership of their company-operated restaurants.

Today, Eat Salad is well-positioned to become a leader in healthy dining in France, supported by a strong franchise model and an ambitious vision for the future.

Summary of the article published in the "Bouger à Bordeaux" magazine