Miami, particularly Coral Gables, got its world rocked on Friday, December 4th with the official opening of sweetgreen, one of the nation’s trendiest salad bars. The company has a significant social media presence and stores in Chicago, New York, Boston, and Houston, to name a few. Only this year has the company branched into Florida, reaching new territory and countless salad fanatics.

I got my first taste of sweetgreen two summers ago in Boston. It was one of those days abroad when breakfast was just “go go go” and my family and I were looking for something more filling, and nutritious; we had enough of Mike’s Pastries and Little Italy. Their location on Boylston Street opened up a whole new world of creative mixtures that livened up a few greens and dressing. Sweetgreen was my salad prophecy; a formal invitation to the salad world, where arugula and dressing was not only boring but illegal. It was an oracle necessary for my childhood self to overcome the idea that healthy food didn’t have to be repulsive, but more food for fuel.

Sweetgreen sticks out amongst the rest because it not only markets itself as this refreshingly organic salad chain, it also resources the ingredients for their products from local businesses. For example, the focaccia that accompanies the salads at the Gables location comes from Wynwood’s finest, Zak the Baker. Their produce is grown domestically to support our nation’s agricultural industry, and they use Instagram to introduce their followers to the friendly faces at the forefront of the supply chain. Sweetgreen’s farm to table concept allows its consumers to make an intimate connection with who’s producing their food.

On Friday, senior Paola Valdes-Sueiras and junior Olivia McClintock joined me to test whether the salads lived up to my Boston expectations. The storefront on Giralda Avenue was decorated appropriately as a modern ode to Gables architecture.

“The ambiance, the staff, the taste, the flair, everything matched perfectly,” said Valdes-Sueiras, “the customer service and politeness of the staff made it seem like an upgraded Chick-fil-A.”

She and I both ordered the Chicken Pesto Parm bowl; it surpassed our expectations and only made us love the business more. Olivia McClintock who also tagged along had her first introduction to sweetgreen by two self proclaimed enthusiasts. She ordered a Green Goddess Avocado salad that came with a slice of Zak the Baker’s bread.

“It’s a really convenient place to grab a bite to eat after school,” said McClintock. Her salad was the perfect post-early dismissal lunch. The spot is a great place to gather with friends and share a meal together.

I’m overly delighted that sweetgreen has chosen to open their first of several Miami locations. Stores are set to open from Coconut Grove to Miami Beach. The city’s future looks bright and healthy.

sweetgreen Coral Gables