The [fast-casual bankruptcy](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/08/05/salad-and-go-files-chapter-11-bankruptcy-cyclospora.html) isn't about one chain's execution—it's the death knell for a $15 salad margins model that can't survive a single foodborne illness incident. Fast-casual operators trade on premium positioning (fresh, transparent sourcing) but run 8-12% net margins that evaporate the second food safety costs hit: recalls, destroyed inventory, liability, lost traffic.

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