Souplantation Will Return to California in 2027

The restaurant chain plans a comeback in the state seven years after all original locations were closed.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Bold vector editorial illustration of a terracotta archway, a ceramic bowl of fresh vegetables, and an agave plant, representing the restaurant return.
The restaurant chain Sweet Tomatoes plans to revive the Souplantation brand in California by 2027, seven years after closing all locations. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Sweet Tomatoes has announced it will bring the popular Souplantation brand back to California in 2027. The company confirmed its return plans through an Instagram post featuring a Welcome to California sign.

Why it matters

This return marks a significant revival for a brand that was once a staple of the California dining scene before its total closure in 2020. The expansion follows the company’s ongoing operations in Tucson, Arizona, and Fort Myers, Florida.

The Souplantation brand reached a peak of 97 locations before filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2016. All remaining locations permanently closed in 2020, years after the company was acquired by Perpetual Capital Partners.

The players

Souplantation

This salad-focused restaurant chain was founded in 1978 and grew to become a prominent fixture in the California dining market.

Sweet Tomatoes

This parent company currently manages the brand and maintains active restaurant locations in Arizona and Florida.

Perpetual Capital Partners

This private investment firm acquired the restaurant company in 2016 during its financial restructuring.

The details

The restaurant chain, which first launched in San Diego in 1978, is staging a comeback under parent company Sweet Tomatoes. The brand currently maintains active operations in Tucson, Arizona, and Fort Myers, Florida.

Timeline

  1. Souplantation launched in San Diego in 1978.

  2. The parent company filed for bankruptcy in 2016.

  3. All remaining locations closed in 2020.

  4. The company posted an Instagram teaser on October 5, 2026.

  5. The brand is scheduled to return to California in 2027.

Market Landscape

The brand’s return signals a major shift as it attempts to reclaim its footprint in the competitive fast-casual sector. This move positions the company to compete again against current market rivals after a significant hiatus from the region.

Customers can anticipate the return of the brand's signature salad bar and dining experience to local communities by 2027. Further details regarding exact locations or potential price changes for the new sites have not yet been released.

The takeaway

The return of Souplantation highlights the lasting brand loyalty that can persist even after a company has undergone a total shutdown. Readers should monitor future company announcements for information regarding specific site locations and grand opening dates.

Further reading

For more on new businesses entering the market, visit our Openings & Closings section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by San Francisco Gate.

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