Owner of new Midtown Commons restaurant offers ‘guilty-free’ dining for Columbus

Praphaphan “Tik” Doughtery ran a nail business in Phenix City for almost two decades, but she realized during the coronavirus pandemic she wanted to take on another challenge.

“When COVID hit, it just opened my eyes a lot,” Doughtery told the Ledger-Enquirer. “Everyone got into a healthy lifestyle or activity.”

Because Doughtery had worked at a family member’s restaurant, she thought a restaurant encouraging healthy eating and wellness was the challenge she sought.

On Aug. 6, Doughtery will open the co-branded franchise Saladworks and Frutta Bowls in the Midland Commons development .

“I love the color, freshness and healthiness of all the food,” Doughtery said. “. . . It’s kind of like guilty-free food.”

The Saladworks brand offers a variety of options for multiple diets, including vegetarian, vegan, keto and paleo. Customers can customize salads, a warm grain bowl or a wrap.

Frutta Bowls offers customizable bowls, smoothies, toasts, refreshers and protein bites.

When Doughtery began looking for where she wanted to open a restaurant, she hoped to find a location in downtown Columbus. But after she visited the Midland Commons, she knew the development was a perfect location for Saladworks and Frutta Bowls.

“When I came to the Midland area and saw the new growth in the area, and a lot of (fast food chains), it just made me want to bring the healthy lifestyle here,” Doughtery said.

The restaurant will be open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Along with dining-in and delivery options, Saladworks and Frutta Bowls offer catering services for gatherings, parties or events.

Saladworks was founded in 1986, the brand now has opened over 150 locations. Frutta Bowls was founded in 2016 in New Jersey and has over 30 locations.

Doughtery is holding a grand opening in the restaurant at 6835 Midland Commons Blvd. on Tuesday. She plans to donate 20% of the proceeds from the opening day to Giving Kitchen, a Georgia-based non-profit organization that provides emergency assistance to food service workers through financial support and community resources.

“The Giving Kitchen does incredible work supporting those in the food service industry,” Doughtery said in the release. “And I am honored to contribute to their cause.”