Butterhead Salad Company, a popular build-your-own salad bar based in Beacon, is set to open a second location in New Paltz by the end of the year. The new restaurant will bring its signature focus on fresh, customizable meals to the heart of the college town.
Founded by Hudson Valley local Sabena Branche, Butterhead Salad Company quickly gained a loyal following in Beacon since opening 18 months ago. The New Paltz location, at 138 Main St., will bring the same concept to a new audience, tapping into the town’s bustling atmosphere and commitment to local, health-conscious dining. “New Paltz is a cool, hip place with a great community,” Branche said. “It felt like the perfect fit.”
To cater to the SUNY New Paltz student population, the new location is working to accept Hawk Dollars and offer student discounts. The restaurant will introduce a punch card program, rewarding customers with a free salad after 10 visits.
At Butterhead, customers can craft their own salads or rice bowls, choosing from a range of ingredients including kale, arugula, butterhead lettuce, grilled chicken, falafel, sesame ginger marinated tofu, roasted vegetables and a variety of dressings. The restaurant prides itself on providing high-quality produce. Branche plans to partner with Red Barn Produce in Highland for the New Paltz location.
“In order for people to come back, it’s got to be fresh ingredients,” Branche said. “Local farmers have good produce.” This commitment to sourcing from local farms is a key part of Butterhead’s philosophy, helping to strengthen the local food system and support small businesses.
Branche, who spent 20 years as a corporate real estate broker in New Jersey, decided to leave her career behind and pursue her passion for fresh food and healthy eating. “I finally got the nerve to leave my nine-to-five and go on my own,” she said. “I’ve learned a lot from my corporate job, and now I’m applying that knowledge to my business. It’s rewarding to report to myself now.”
While working in New Jersey, Branche enjoyed many build-your-own style restaurants and wanted to implement the concept into her own venture. “I wanted it for myself,” she said. She started experimenting at home, making salad bar dinners with her family. “I wanted to bring the concept to life,” she added.
Since opening the Beacon location, Branche has received overwhelming support from the local community. “I could cry right now, because Beacon has really been my heart,” she said. “People kept coming back and I have so many regulars.”
She hopes to replicate that success in New Paltz by building strong relationships with local businesses and residents. When opening the Beacon restaurant, Branche walked up and down Main Street with business cards and introduced herself. She will do the same in New Paltz.
Branche understands community “is number one.” She said successful businesses involve themselves in the community. “Learn about your neighbors, other businesses, be supportive of them, participate in community events,” she said.
The New Paltz location is currently undergoing a full renovation — new flooring, counters, seating, sheetrock and fresh paint. Branche and her team are dedicated to creating a welcoming space for customers to enjoy their meals and feel part of the community. “All this work is worth it. It’s a labor of love,” Branche said. “When you have passion for something, it’s not that it doesn’t feel like hard work, because it does, but it’s hard work you don’t mind doing.”
As Butterhead Salad Company prepares for its New Paltz opening, Branche looks forward to continuing the company’s growth. “I’m excited to celebrate the opening of the New Paltz location, and maybe one day open a third,” she said.