Souper Salad in Lubbock has many things to be proud of- the fresh, crisp produce, the steaming hot and craveable soups, and the striking cleanliness of the buffet (a restaurant type I’m usually hesitant to try, but Souper Salad has never worried me once). In addition to being a high-quality and affordable option, it’s also one of only three Souper Salad locations left in the world. The other two are in El Paso and Pasadena, Texas.

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Why Is The Salad Bar Going Extinct?

As someone who was alive in the late 90s/ early 2000s, I remember a time when the salad bar was ubiquitous and extremely popular. Texas was once home to many like Soup Plantation, Sweet Tomatoes, and more. Plenty of other restaurants offered a salad bar alongside their main offerings, but even that is in a steady decline. But why?

COVID began the death of the salad bar, not only because of the fear of spreading the virus, but also because consumers changed their habits permanently to be more take-out/ delivery driven. What’s really killing them now is how expensive produce and other ingredients are. Many grocery stores have switched from salad bars to prepackaged options, and many salad bar businesses have closed for good.

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A Reminder to Support the Restaurants We Love

Souper Salad is locally owned by people who truly care about delivering a quality product at a fair price. That ethos in the restaurant business is getting rarer, as the “little guys” get pushed out of the business due to costs and sheer burnout. And while Souper Salad was once a massive force in the Southern U.S. with nearly 200 locations, it is now a rare gem.

Lubbock’s Best Appetizers: Must-Try Starters at Local Restaurants

Discover some of the best appetizers in Lubbock, from shareable starters and classic favorites to unique dishes locals love to order. This photo gallery highlights must-try appetizers from popular Lubbock restaurants, perfect for your next night out or casual meal.

Gallery Credit: Renee Raven