Delve into the story of Marc and Lester, who founded Saludable Taqueria in The Hague. With their background in the fast food and hospitality world, they have developed a unique Mexican fast-casual restaurant concept distinguished by simplicity and accessibility.
The Establishment 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 stood out from other Mexican chains with a more personalized approach and a streamlined menu that emphasized quick and easy choices.
The No-nonsense Concept of Saludable
Saludable distinguishes itself by eliminating customer choice stress. 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 that 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 easy reach, so customers don't have to look far for comfort food. This commitment to comfort is not just about the food, but also about their customers literally being close by.
Despite a limited marketing budget, Lester and Marc emphasize personal contact and customer service to ensure a positive experience. Their first step toward visibility began with a food truck, which generated curiosity from passersby. This approach continued into 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
So in the early stages 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 masts, they ensure that Saludable becomes a familiar name in the neighborhood. Their social media presence and website development are also crucial to attracting and retaining a younger audience, even during the winter months.
The duo has big plans for Saludable. They aim to expand the brand both physically and online and want customers to immediately feel a recognizable connection to what they have 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 guest to printing on all their packaging. This constant innovation ensures that they stand out in the competitive market and remain a popular choice for locals and tourists alike.
Saludable also enjoys the best reviews in The Hague, which is proof of their consistent quality and excellent service. These reviews are crucial, as locals and tourists alike often seek confirmation online before visiting a restaurant. Lester and Marc understand the importance of this online reputation, which is why they keep a close eye on reviews.
By sticking 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 prompt service, Lester and Marc are ready to take Saludable to new heights.