Cyclospora is changing the American workplace lunch: 'We switched our marketing immediately,' says Saladworks CEO
Amid the country's ongoing cyclospora outbreak, salad-focused restaurants like Sweetgreen and Saladworks are shifting their marketing.
TL;DR
- A multistate cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce has affected salad-centric restaurants.
- Sweetgreen and Saladworks have seen declines in sales and foot traffic, with Sweetgreen cutting its full-year outlook.
- These companies are shifting marketing to emphasize protein bowls, soups, and wraps over traditional salads.
- Some restaurants are exploring grain salads or cruciferous salads as alternatives to lettuce-based options.
- Corporate meal delivery platforms are receiving more requests to remove or replace lettuce in lunch orders.
- While some chains are showing signs of recovery, the outbreak has altered lunch habits for many consumers.