It saddens me to post that Baby Greens is now closed.
We have had an amazing year; celebrating so many milestones that I’m sure many of you are wondering what happened. The store closings are a result of a variety of factors. Like many other restaurants and local businesses, Baby Greens’ sales have slowed at various times throughout the year. Additionally, the commitment to opening our new locations was made prior to the severe downturn our economy suffered over the past year. I chose to honor those commitments in the spirit of growth and expansion of Baby Greens. Delays and disagreements associated with the opening of our Downtown store resulted in the store opening more than a year behind schedule and too close to the opening of the North Austin store. Though it was a long-shot that we would prevail, I hoped that our summer sales would keep the store afloat. Unfortunately this past summer was one of the slowest in Baby Greens history.
In addition to the struggles that Baby Greens has faced this year, I have also been dealing with many family issues. My father, who is confined to a wheelchair, spent weeks in the hospital this summer. A recent death in my paternal grandfather’s family has created family crisis that requires my immediate and full attention. Though I love Baby Greens and remain devoted to the expansion of the company, my family is my first priority. Throughout the history of Baby Greens, even when it was just this “crazy idea” that I had, my parents stood behind me and have supported me and Baby Greens 100%. In fact there wouldn’t be a Baby Greens without the never-ending support of my mother. That being the case, it’s now time for me to be there for my family. I am in the middle of what could be a life changing family crisis. So for now, everything else in my life must be put on pause.
When I opened the doors to our South First Street store almost 6 years ago, I had no idea how people would respond. I have been truly touched at the response and support that Baby Greens’ customers have given. With all things in life, it is always about timing. I feel that there is a silver lining to this cloud. Though this news is sad to give, and I’m sure upsetting to read, I haven’t given up on Baby Greens. This is only the end of THIS CHAPTER. One never knows what the future may bring. Until then, thank you Austin for supporting Baby Greens. Thank you for helping to make one of my dreams come true. I will truly miss seeing your faces at the drive thru window. Stay healthy!
Truly,
Sharon E Mays
Owner, Baby Greens
I'm so sad but I respect the hell out of your reasons. Family does come first and considering the heart you put into your business; your fans will be here if you want to come back.
ReplyDeletePlease stay on Twitter and keep blogging; I am sure that many of us want to keep up with you.
Much love and tasty food-
April Riggs
@sweetleafApril
Noooo! No! We love Baby Greens, we live right down the street from the South First location. We loved getting fresh salads and wraps on the go, as we are constantly running around. We will be here with full support when you come back.
ReplyDelete-Kaci Beeler & Roy Janik
This makes me extra, super sad for so many reasons. I love Baby Greens; having a healthy option amongst so much fried garbage was SO welcome. I really lamented moving away from S Austin and to Hyde Park because it meant leaving some of my favorite food, and BG was one of them. But more than anything, I enjoyed your ever-smiling face and the obvious enthusiasm you had for your business and product.
ReplyDeletePlease revisit this when you are able, and bring Baby Greens to Hyde Park! We promise to keep you afloat and prospering! And may your personal journey become smoother and less fraught with troubles; I wish you and your family the best.
You will be missed so much! I looked forward to picking up salads for me and my husband every week-- and that chile lime dressing was divine. Now where am I going to get the best salads in Austin? Good luck with all that the future brings.
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry to hear this and I wish you the best.
ReplyDeleteNot to be negative, but the North location, as I'm sure you know, was very very bad. Terraburger, the new 'healthy/organic' burger joint, has a much better location (albeit a bit hard to get to if you're exiting Braker going north). They seem to be doing very well. I think Baby Greens would be very popular somewhere along 183 near 360. That area seems to be where the healthy places are budding up. The Sprouts grocery store is opening where Borders used to be.
Very sad to hear this. I was thrilled when I found out there was a location opening within walking distance of my office downtown, and worried when it shut down so unexpectedly.
ReplyDeleteGot any chile lime dressing you want to sell?
Sharon - we are so sad! My entire offices loved Baby Greens and frequented it often; always requested it for catered office lunches; and were excited at the propect of having a location near the Capitol. Rest assured you have a built-in fan club in us - and others - ready and waiting for your return, when the time is right.
ReplyDeleteBest regards,
Jennifer
Sen. Shapiro's office
I was very sad today to drive up to the South First location and find it closed. Austin has suffered a huge loss. I really hope you will be able to bring the business back someday. Best wishes.
ReplyDeleteSOOOO sad! I'm pretty sure this is the ONLY healthly drive thru place around (maybe in existence!) We do hope you come back!! You'll be very missed Baby Greens!
ReplyDeleteThe neighborhood, and I personally will miss Baby Greens immensely. Those of us who've lived in Bouldin Creek for a while have seen the location on S. First change many times, and BG was a great idea that took off and that obviously filled a niche. But great entrepreneurs never really "die" - they just go on to bigger and better things. We will keep you in our thoughts and wish you and your family well. Thanks for providing such a positive presence for our neighborhood, our health and our spirits!!!
ReplyDeletei am about to cry. babygreens is one of my favorite stores in the 78704 area, staying open for our late salad runs, for lunch and everything in between. so many of us at the store have enjoyed great meals.
ReplyDeletei truly wish the very best for your family, yes, family comes first.
i will be keeping you in my thoughts and for a babygreens revival in the near future.
with much love,
esti @ buydefinition.com
Dear Sharon... you and I used to swim together at a gym and I recall your first year...SO full of hope and promise. I blog and speak about divorce recovery and I practice what I preach: every ending is only the transition to the next, more amazing beginning. Although it is sad to see Baby Greens end, I know there is something even more spectacular in your future. GO GIRL! You've got what it takes. Deal with all the issues, take time to catch your breath, then follow that gorgeous heart of yours into your bliss. You found a lot of friends in the last 6 years, more than you know. We'll still be here for you!!!
ReplyDeleteJoni James
http://doorways2freedom.blogspot.com/
hey sharon
ReplyDeleteyou know i love your place and was an every day customer for about 3 years. i've just taken over flashback again and was Really Disappointed to see you gone. love that green goddess dressing!
miss you! good luck with your family issues and know that you will be soooooo missed!
marsha laine
glashback
Our office greatly misses you too. We were devastated to pull up and find it closed, we have gone back several times hoping it was a fluke...Hope you make it back!
ReplyDeleteHi Sharon, I'm sorry to hear about Baby Greens closing and I sincerely hope you and your family are doing better.
ReplyDeleteNot sure if you remember me, as I was just a blip on the Baby Greens radar, but I worked for you for the summer of 2007 (and THANK YOU again for giving me that opportunity) before I returned to college in VA that fall.
I was looking up Baby Greens info because I was curious about how your franchising effort had taken off. I currently live in Charlottesville, VA and Baby Greens would have killed here. I was running around town on my lunch break the last week and wanted a salad chock full of veggies and protein--but no real options available.
You know, I'm still trying to recreate that low-fat tangy lemon dressing recipe that you wouldn't tell me! ;)
Wishing you all the best,
Sara Courson