Salad days for new fast food outlet
It is a green so bright it is impossible to miss on Hannan Street, and a brand name synonymous with fresh salad that is seriously addictive.
After more than six months of anticipation, the international salad giant Sumo Salad opens in Kalgoorlie today.
Franchise owner Bao Chu said it was his love and passion for health that set him on the path to offer Kalgoorlie another food option.
Hailing from China, Mr Chu moved to Kalgoorlie three years ago and opened his first health business, Kal's Massage, and since then he saw the market potential.
He said he had spent almost eight months of planning and preparation to see it come to fruition.
"Kalgoorlie has almost all the big fast food brands, but nothing like Sumo Salad and it's not just fast food, it's dedicated to fresh, quality food," he said.
"The franchise heads have flown here, I've flown to Perth … many phone calls, emails … because they need to know they have the right person."
His 10 employees went through a day-long training session with the head trainer of the franchise yesterday, learning how to properly prepare the food.
"You can't open something if you don't believe in your business, and I love Sumo Salad," Mr Chu said.
"It's my love for customer service that will come out, and I will pass it on to my employees."
The idea for the first Sumo Salad was born in Sydney in 2003 after two Australian men travelled through America eating super-sized feasts.
There are now more than a 100 stores worldwide, including New Zealand, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, South America and the US. "The culture of food in Kalgoorlie is really strong, no matter the economic climate," Mr Chu said.
"People always have to eat and I know there are a lot of people in town that want to eat healthy. And I want to be able to offer a fresh, healthy alternative for people."
Mr Chu's vision with the business is to cater for offices all over Kalgoorlie and offer deals, promotions and discounts with his product in partnerships with local gyms and supplement stores.
There are no grand plans for the official opening today, but there may be a few green people wandering down Hannan Street throughout the week offering up tasty morsels.
