Salads UP tries Briarwood

In the emerging "dining pavilion"

by Sabine Bickford

From the July, 2018 issue

Despite its many long-standing food options, Briarwood has never had an official "food court." Technically it still doesn't, but according to Max Steir, Briarwood is developing a "dining pavilion" in its northeastern corridor. Steir is co-owner and cofounder of Salads UP, whose newest location opened in May just inside the entrance by Sears.

Salads UP joins California Pizza Kitchen, Chipotle, and Which Wich (plus P.F. Chang's and Bravo Cucina Italiana just outside) as the first offerings in the new pavilion.

A few of the storefronts are vacant, and only a few tables and chairs line the middle of the hallway, but Steir says Briarwood owners Simon Property Group plan to fill the entire hallway with dining options and expanded seating.

The new Salads UP is the third location of the fast-casual restaurant started at Liberty and State by Steir and Robert Mayer right after they graduated from U-M in 2013. The first is on E. Liberty, and the second opened in Madison, Wisconsin, in 2016.

For their third spot, Steir and Mayer decided they wanted to move beyond the downtown and college markets. Steir says he's excited to draw in casual shoppers with their make-your-own salad model, but he also sees the mall's ample parking as a potential boon to older customers.

While the counter and kitchen have been crammed into a 500-square-foot space, the Salads UP menu at Briarwood is the same as at the Liberty location. Steir recommends two of their latest items: the "bro-rito" and "bro-tein" shake. Both of which, he assures, "are for females and males!"

Salads UP, 878 Briarwood Circle (Briarwood Mall). (734) 205-9077. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. saladsup.com