Second Saladworks set to open near Centerpointe Mall, continues to add jobs at both locations

Local franchisees Tim and Julie Calderone will be opening their second Michigan Saladworks location at an outlot at Centerpointe Mall this October.

Tim Calderone says he expects “at least 25 new jobs” to be added with the location, which comes just a few weeks after the August opening of Saladworks in downtown Grand Rapids, where he says another 40 jobs were created.

Calderone sees the majority of these jobs as “great opportunities” for those entering the workforce for the first time. “We have a very diverse workforce,” he says. “For a few people, it is a first-time job. For high-schoolers getting into the work force, we schedule around school and athletics. We also hire a few people who have never worked before.”

Calderone says he hires for personality and potential and that working at Saladworks can be a first step for individuals who need a second chance: “The past is the past. At the end of the day not everyone works out, but if you have motivation, we give people opportunity. We try to mentor and coach to give people the chance to build a career and a stepping stone to other things. We tell our employees in Kilwins, you are not going to be scooping ice cream for the rest of your life.”

Saladworks is the nation’s first and largest fresh-tossed salad franchise concept. The menu offers made-to-order salads, soups, and sandwiches, as well as catering, online ordering and delivery. Having signed a multi-store development deal, the Calderones plan to open three Saladworks locations across Grand Rapids. The couple also opened the Kilwin’s Chocolates & Ice Cream shop located in McKay Tower in 2012.

To learn more about Saladworks, you can visit their site here.

Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs News Editor