Dive into the story of Marc and Lester, who founded Saludable Taqueria in The Hague. With their background in the fast-food and hospitality industry, they have developed a unique Mexican fast-casual restaurant concept that stands out for its simplicity and accessibility.
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The Founding of Saludable
Marc, with extensive experience in various hospitality businesses, and Lester, with a structured background from his time at McDonald's and as a restaurant manager, decided to join forces. Friends for 25 years, they saw an opportunity to start a new type of Mexican restaurant that differentiates itself from other Mexican chains through a more personal approach and a streamlined menu that emphasizes quick and easy choices.
Saludable's No-Nonsense Concept
Saludable distinguishes itself by eliminating choice stress for customers. The restaurant offers a streamlined menu from which customers can easily choose. With a simple choice of filling and salsa, customers personalize their perfect burrito. This approach has quickly made Saludable popular with a wide audience who values both speed and quality in their dining experience.
Growing with a Personal Touch
With two new locations recently opened, all in The Hague, Saludable emphasizes the importance of accessibility. Their vision is to always be within reach, so customers don't have to search far for comfort food. This pursuit of comfort is not just about the food, but also about being literally close to their customers.
Despite a limited marketing budget, Lester and Marc emphasize personal contact and customer service to ensure a positive experience. Their first step towards visibility began with a food truck, which sparked curiosity among passersby. This approach continued in their 2 permanent locations, where they now use larger banners and personal contact to integrate the brand into the neighborhood.
Marketing on a Tight Budget
In the initial phase with a limited budget, Saludable focuses on personal interaction and local visibility. From greeting customers on the street to using advertising tools such as banners and advertising poles, they ensure that Saludable becomes a well-known name in the neighborhood. Their presence on social media and the development of their website are also crucial to attract and retain a younger audience, even during the winter months.
The duo has big plans for Saludable. They strive to expand the brand both physically and online and want customers to feel an immediate, recognizable connection with what they've seen online as soon as they step into the restaurant.
Saludable's Innovative Approach
Saludable continues to innovate, from introducing taco inlays to simplify operations for both kitchen staff and guests, to printing all their packaging. This constant renewal ensures that they stand out in the competitive market and remain a beloved choice for both locals and tourists.
Saludable also enjoys the best reviews in The Hague, which is proof of their consistent quality and excellent service. These reviews are crucial, as both local residents and tourists often seek online confirmation before visiting a restaurant. Lester and Marc understand the importance of this online reputation and therefore closely monitor the reviews.
By adhering to their core values of simplicity, quality, and accessibility, Marc and Lester plan to further expand Saludable and strengthen their presence both offline and online. By staying true to their principles of quality and fast service, Lester and Marc are ready to take Saludable to new heights.
