Fork & Salad, which started in Kīhei in 2016 with a mission to make healthy, farm-to-table cuisine more accessible, plans to open its third corporate location and first U.S. mainland store in Orange, CA. The location, which will introduce the brand to the mainland U.S. and serve as a training store for future franchisee operators, is slated to open before the end of 2018.

“This marks a major step forward in our expansion plans. After carefully considering dozens of locations in Orange County, we decided the city of Orange was a fantastic fit. A lot of centers were chomping at the bit to have the first mainland Fork & Salad store, but Orange has a special charm to it,” says Fork & Salad co-owner and co-founder, Travis Morrin. “It’s a major emerging area that attracts a huge number of young people since it’s close to Chapman University. Our upcoming location sits just a block from The Circle downtown area and already has a few well-known eateries, like Urth Caffe and Snooze Eatery, also committed to the area. As an added bonus, a new 600-space parking structure will be built only one block away, also serving as a public rail drop-off/pick-up spot. That parking area will service all of Orange, and we’re right next to it. We’re excited to bring a taste of Maui to Orange County!”

Fork & Salad’s new Orange County restaurant will be located at 240 W. Chapman Avenue in a historically restored building that features original brick construction from 1922 and open wood truss beams. The 1,535 square foot space will have seating for more than 45 guests and be prominently located in the walkable district of Old Towne Orange. Fork & Salad’s menu options include build-your-own and signature salads, produce-forward sandwiches, gluten-free items, kombucha on draft and more, which can be enjoyed in-store or for take-out and pick-up via phone ordering or the Fork & Salad mobile app.

Renders of Fork & Salad’s new space in Orange, CA. Courtesy photo.

Site renders of Fork & Salad’s first corporate mainland location in Orange, CA. Courtesy photo.

Paniolo Salad, a signature at Fork & Salad. Courtesy photo.

Smoky Papaya Chicken and Pastrami-Seasoned Ahi Sandwiches at Fork & Salad. Courtesy photo.

Ancient Grain Bowl at Fork & Salad. Courtesy photo.

Tomato bisque at Fork & Salad. Courtesy photo.

Cody Christopher, Travis Morrin and Jaron Blosser, chef/co-owners of Fork & Salad. Courtesy photo.

Locally-sourced greens bin at Fork & Salad. Courtesy photo.

House-made drinks at Fork & Salad. Courtesy photo.

Founded in 2016 by Jaron Blosser, Travis Morrin, and Cody Christopher, Fork & Salad was built with the mission of making farm-to-table cuisine as healthy, convenient, and affordable as possible so it can be available to the masses. This vision has been welcomed by the local community: Fork & Salad was named Best New Restaurant in 2017 and Best Healthy Restaurant in 2018 by readers of MauiTime.

The Maui-based concept is also committed to serving and supporting the island’s local residents and businesses, with around 40 employees and 50 fresh menu items sourced as locally as possible, from more than 25 Hawai‘i farmers and suppliers. The growing brand currently operates two thriving locations on Maui, in Kihei and Kahului, and is planning to bring its health-focused concept across the mainland U.S., beginning with its expansion into Orange County. Get a taste of Fork & Salad’s healthy island vibe and vision in this video on its recent store opening in Kahului.

Fork & Salad is partnered with Fransmart, the industry-leading franchise development company behind the success of household concepts like The Halal Guys and Five Guys Burgers & Fries, as its exclusive franchising partner to grow the brand. Those interested in expanding Fork & Salad’s fresh concept and spirit of aloha into markets nationwide should visit here for information on franchising opportunities with this emerging health brand.