title: “Salad & Go founder moves to reopen some Arizona locations after bankruptcy, abrupt closure” url: “https://www.abc15.com/news/local-news/salad-go-is-moving-to-reopen-some-arizona-locations-after-bankruptcy-abrupt-closure” author: “abc15.com staff”

The hospitality group behind the chain aims to open at least one restaurant by the end of the year.

PHOENIX — Salad & Go’s original founder and corporate chef has announced that he is moving to reopen some Arizona locations after a recent bankruptcy and abrupt closure of all locations.

On Wednesday, Chef Daniel Patino, Mike Myers, and Tom Misitano, the original founder and corporate chef and co-founders of Hospitality First Concepts, announced on social media and on a podcast that they have acquired rights to operate and expand Salad & Go throughout North America.

“We’re looking forward to bringing back the fresh, quality food, great value, and genuine hospitality that made Salad & Go such a special part of so many Arizona communities,” a message from the trio read.

In August, the popular Arizona salad chain announced that it would be closing its doors after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Several dozen former store locations will be converted to 7 Brew locations after the Arkansas-based drive-thru coffee chain outbid Tempe-based Dutch Bros in an auction for the sites.

Daniel Patino, who has been behind Salad & Go as co-founder and corporate chef since it launched in Gilbert in 2013, explained to ABC15 that his team will try to secure some of those old locations, but also build new ones.

“Our goal is to open at least one location before the year ends,” Patino said.

The group is not offering details right now on how many spots will reopen across Arizona or if they will be in other states too.

“It is honestly a roller coaster of emotions,” Patino said. “A little bit of butterflies too. Because it’s like you get a second opportunity to do something that you strongly believe and love.”

Patino says he can’t pinpoint one reason for the bankruptcy filing.

“We do have a whole support system that is helping us through all this and guide us through all that,” Patino said when ABC15 asked whether they have new safeguards to prevent bankruptcy going forward.

“We’re going to be very disciplined in how we do things, and we want to make sure that the brand thrives, not for us, but for the community and the people that want Salad and Go,” Patino said.

It is good news to some consumers.

“I hope it comes back 100 percent,” Judith Carrasco, who says she travels from Prescott to Phoenix for the fresh food, said.

“I actually like the fact that I’m not spending $20, $30 on a salad just because it’s healthy,” Trey Carroll, of Phoenix, said.

Many are now hoping Salad & Go is here to stay.

“We live right around the corner from this Salad and Go, and we were a little upset when we heard they were closing, so very happy to hear that,” Deandre Wright, of Phoenix, said. “Healthy. Arizona-based. I would love to see more of it here.”

UPDATE:
Angie’s plans to more than double footprint to 70 locations by end of 2028
Angie’s, the fast-food company founded by Salad and Go cofounders Tony and Roushan Christofellis, plans to more than double its total footprint in the next two years. It seeks an investor who can help the business scale. https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2026/10/27/angies-plans-40-new-stores-in-two-years.html