Sweetgreen

Salad and Go filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after cyclospora concerns exacerbated its difficulties. The salad chain, which aimed to compete with Sweetgreen, expanded rapidly under Volt Investment.

Lettuce prices surged in early 2026 due to Arizona's hot weather, and a cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded lettuce at Taco Bell caused sales declines. Taco Bell removed the affected lettuce, leading to a temporary sales drop, while other chains like Chipotle and Sweetgreen also reported reduced traffic or spending.

A cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce has caused sales declines at Taco Bell and other restaurants. Yum Brands reported a 2% drop in U.S. same-store sales for Taco Bell during July-September 2026, while Chipotle and salad chains like Chopt and Sweetgreen also experienced reduced traffic and spending.

Taco Bell's same-store sales declined 2% in the July-September period due to a cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded lettuce, but sales have improved after the chain removed the lettuce and offered promotions like $1 Mexican Pizza. Yum Brands, Taco Bell's parent company, reported recovering sales and attributed the improvement to quick containment and transparent communication.

Lettuce prices and a cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce are impacting restaurants, with Yum Brands reporting a 2% decline in Taco Bell's same-store sales. The outbreak, traced to Taylor Farms' lettuce, led to recalls and temporary sales drops, though sales have partially recovered. Other chains like Chipotle and Sweetgreen also report reduced traffic or spending amid the crisis.

Restaurants are facing challenges due to rising lettuce prices caused by Arizona's hot weather and a cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded lettuce. Taco Bell removed shredded lettuce from its U.S. restaurants, leading to a 21% drop in customer visits, while salad chains like Chopt and Sweetgreen also saw reduced traffic.

Two customers filed the first class action against Taylor Farms, alleging their lettuce products caused a cyclospora parasite outbreak linked to food poisoning. The lawsuit claims the contamination was preventable and seeks restitution for affected consumers.

Jersey Mike’s is preparing for an IPO with a valuation potentially exceeding $7.9 billion, significantly higher than recent restaurant IPOs like Sweetgreen and Cava. The company plans to raise $913 million to $1.1 billion by offering 43.5 million shares, with private equity backers including Blackstone and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority selling shares while retaining stakes.

Americans are avoiding lettuce and salads due to an ongoing cyclospora outbreak investigation. Salad chain stocks like Cava, Chipotle, and Sweetgreen saw lower closing prices.

Salad bowl chains like Chipotle, Chopt, Sweetgreen, and Just Salad are emphasizing they do not serve iceberg lettuce amid a cyclospora outbreak linked to the ingredient. The CDC has reported over 800 confirmed cases across 31 states, leading to reduced foot traffic at some chains, while nutritionists debate iceberg lettuce's nutritional value and practical benefits.

Sweetgreen clarified it does not use iceberg lettuce in its menu during a Cyclospora outbreak causing diarrhea nationwide. The outbreak has led to product recalls, including Taylor Farms' iceberg lettuce, and the CDC reported 1,645 cases across 34 states as of July 14.

A cyclospora parasite outbreak linked to shredded lettuce from Taylor Farms has caused illness in 34 states and 374 cases in New York City. Despite the outbreak, corporate workers in Bryant Park continue eating salads, showing mixed awareness and caution.