Southcoast Salad Bars Are Becoming Extinct

With the recent closings of the local Ruby Tuesdays, it opened my eyes to the fact that Salad Bar Restaurants are dying out.

As a kid, I loved the idea of going to Ponderosa Restaurant simply for their salad bar and as I transitioned over to Ruby Tuesdays, I found myself returning for the same exact reason.

I enjoy the freedom you get from the diverse choices of toppings and dressings. It's the simple things in life like endless bacon bits and shredded cheddar cheese piled high upon a plate of freshness and healthy choices.

Not a big fan of tomatoes? No problem! It's your plate, it's your salad... you're the boss. This freedom alone plus the variety of ways you can build a salad is what brings me back for more (Even if I only came for a plate of cucumbers drenched in zesty French dressing).

Ruby Tuesdays, Ponderosa, Old Country Buffet.... Icons to the world of Salad Bars, gone way too soon.

Although there is still little hope left here in the Southcoast, the options on where to go for a Salad Bar are delicious, yet minimal:

• Brazillian Grill (Dartmouth/Hyannis)
• The Old Grist Mill Tavern (Seekonk)
• St. Luke's Hospital (New Bedford)
• Charlton Memorial Hospital (Fall River)
• Pizza Hut (Select Locations)
• Destination Soup (Downtown, New Bedford)
• Chuck-E-Cheese
• Most Chinese Buffets

I understand that these locations are the "Saving Grace" of what's left to offer for a Salad Bar, but it's simply (to me) not a Salad Bar destination. I eat at the Brazilian Grill for the delicious assortment of meats, I go to Pizza Hut for the Pizza and I Enjoy Chinese Food at the buffets.... Not necessarily there Salads.

What separated Ruby Tuesdays from the rest was the fact that if in fact I was hungry and in the mood for a hearty salad, I would totally consider going straight to Ruby Tuesdays.... Some good things simply come to an end too soon.

So next time you come across a decent "sit-down" style restaurant with a Salad Bar, don't jus take it for granted... Enjoy the freedom, take in the diversity of vegetables and toppings and own your salad. After all, something as good as a Salad Bar only comes around so often.