The Reason You Rarely See Salad Bars At Chain Restaurants Anymore

Once upon a time, you could walk into a Wendy's or a Burger King and load up with greens at the salad bar. However, in most chain restaurants, the days of salad bars are long gone, despite being super-popular in decades past. Why, exactly, have they become nearly impossible to find?

Turns out, there are several reasons why salad bars have disappeared, and sanitation is at the top of the list. Buffet salad bars are known for being pathogen hotbeds and maintenance is key for keeping them safe. In today's economy with food costs rising, many restaurants are pinching pennies. This means it makes more sense (and cents) to keep ingredients in the kitchen, rather than out in the open where they may spoil fast and need to be properly maintained by employees.

Customer preference is also another reason why salad bars aren't really common in restaurants. Hardly anyone eats inside fast food restaurants anymore and many diners opt for to-go and delivery options instead. Diners simply aren't in seats at restaurants, and if they want a salad, they'll typically order it off the menu. 

If you're in the mood for a salad bar (we get it), you've got options. Ruby Tuesday still offers a garden bar where you can load up on 50 different offerings, including leafy greens, veggies, ham, and hard boiled eggs.  Buffet-style restaurants like Golden Corral, Sizzler, and Bonanza still offer salad bars as well. An important note: Since many restaurants are independently owned and operated (despite being a part of a chain), some may have salad bars, while others may not. Reach out to local restaurants directly to learn whether they still offer a salad bar.

Another option is your local grocery store. While some grocery stores have done away with salad bars, many have reopened them post-pandemic. There are a few things to look for before grabbing a salad at the grocery store salad bar. First, the food should be cold: 41 degrees Fahrenheit is the cutoff. Salad bar food should be kept below this temperature to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. Look for a thermometer at the salad bar, and make sure the temperature is within a safe range. Also check that animal products are kept separate from non-animal products. Inquire whether employees regularly clean the salad bar; if so, you're likely in the clear. Of course, your safest bet is to make a great salad in your own kitchen — try using super-fresh veggies and creating dressing from scratch to get one fantastic bite after another.