3 salad chains get big time backers

This year, three emerging fast-casual salad chains received a flow of investments from private-equity firms and notable industry folks. If the money trail says anything, tossed-to-order greens could become the next DIY pizza. Here’s a look at some of the big-time backing. 

Locations: New York, D.C. and other East Coast locales
Investors: P.E. firm Catterton and health-food giant The Hain Celestial Group, a supplier
Payout: The “signifcant investment” puts Chopt in the company of Protein Bar, Hopdoddy and other brands Catterton holds stakes in
Goal: “As a team, we believe we can grow Chopt in unique ways,” said CEO Nick Marsh

Locations: Mostly East Coast, with two California outposts
Investors: AOL co-founder Steve Case’s Revolution Growth, restaurateur Danny Meyer, chef Daniel Boulud, investment firm T. Rowe Price
Payout: A $35 million infusion this July; that follows an $18.5 million Round 2 investment the chain earned in fall 2014
Goal: Investing in tech and building Sweetgreen’s team

Locations: California
Investors:Danny Meyer and private-equity firm Alliance Consumer Group
Payout: A “significant minority investment”—and Meyer’s second to a made-to-order salad concept this year, his intent being to champion like-minded companies
Goal: To help the 22-unit chain grow from its West Coast roots