The salad bowl craze has officially landed in Newcastle
Newcastle’s CBD gets a healthy yet ever-so-flavoursome addition to their foodie scene and whether you’ve tried it before or love a great grab-n-go option, you’ll be psyched to hear about the arrival of Banana Blossom Salads.
That’s right, the food sensation that has taken Sydneysiders by storm since its inception in 2003 has officially landed in Newcastle with its very first venue opening right in the heart of our CBD.
The concept, the brainchild of keen foodie Sydneysiders, Ben and Nat Thomas has been slowly bringing a new way to eat on the go whilst enjoying, and not feeling guilty, to people across Sydney and beyond since its first store.
Now, with ten stores and counting, the husband-and-wife duo have shared the business reins taking their concept even further afar. This time, it’s Newcastle’s turn!
Brought to us by self-proclaimed Banana Blossom Salad fanatics, Emily O’Brien and Andrew Greentree, the local franchisees have been lovers of all things Banana Blossom Salads since first stumbling upon the original store.
“We were on the Northern Beaches right near Banana Blossom there, it was a go-to lunch for me, and I would have it for dinner more often than not. Once we moved to the coast, we realised there was nothing like it there. We googled Banana Blossom Salads and saw that they offered franchising, so we enquired and 6 months later here we are,” Emily said.
The pair, both with a background in the hospitality industry had been eyeing off a few different locations but when this vacant spot within the new East End Village popped up, it was a complete no-brainer.
“Originally, we were looking at Terrigal but just couldn’t find the right space. Andrew had the other idea to look at Newcastle because we spend a lot of time here at the beach. Andrew found this particular spot and it was just perfect.”
Officially opening their doors on Wednesday, 2nd of November, and to say they’ve been absolutely pumped would be a complete understatement.
“Everyone has said that the area has just been missing fresh options. The need was definitely here for it. It’s been full-on, but we have just been so blown away by the support. It’s such a good feeling because food makes people happy, and people keep coming back for more.”
For those yet to experience the goodness and greatness that is Banana Blossom Salads let us tease you with a little snippet. Gone are the days of giving salads a bad rap or thinking of bland boring flavours because Banana Blossom has upped the ante with their Asian-inspired flavours paired with fresh and local ingredients.
“Pretty much, they’re all based as salads, and their dressings are where the Banana Blossom brand really shines. They are what truly make the items. Everything is super fresh. We get deliveries daily of all the salads and we prep that here the morning of.”
The menu features a delicious selection of salads, rice bowls, and rice paper rolls with protein options including chicken, tofu, beef, pork, and pure vegan greatness! The true heroes of their mouth-watering flavours are their top-secret dressing recipes.
“My favourite one would have to be the Tokyo Classic. Everyone comes in and asks which one is the best, and our Tokyo Classic is our best-seller, but honestly, they’re all amazing. They’ve all got a really different flavour combination that makes you want to keep coming back for more.”
Currently, the new addition to the East End Village is open from 10am-4pm throughout the week, and on Saturdays from 11am-3pm, however, have plans to expand their hours moving into the warmer months with Sunday hours and even late afternoon openings on the cards.
Whether you’re based in the CBD and need a lunch pick-me-up, are a lover of all things salads, or are looking for an excuse to see what’s been happening within the centre of Newcastle, get yourself into Banana Blossom Salads and see what the fuss is all about.
