The Worcester Public Market’s newest food stall is unique, not just for its fresh and healthy salads, but because the person behind it is only 15.
Kashvi Vishal, a student at Shrewsbury High School, said she was inspired to open Edenish Salad because many of her friends were in search of healthy options to eat in a world of fast food. School lunches are lacking, she said, and for some of her classmates, the healthy option for a quick and affordable meal is Chick-fil-A.
“I want to give my generation something good to eat,” Vishal said. “They don’t have to worry about calories. They can eat whatever they want, and it’ll be good.”
While Edenish is brand new, having held its grand opening on March 18, Vishal is no stranger to the Worcester Public Market. Her family owns Namaste Woo, a stall selling Indian cuisine in another aisle of the market, and she has been working there for the past year.
When a space opened up in the market, it was offered to the family, and Vishal decided to jump right in with support from family members.
“I said, ‘Why don’t I use this space to do something of my own?’” she said. “I wanted to do something tasty and affordable that will fill you up.”
Vishal said she is interested in pursuing a career in nutrition in college, so opening a salad bar was a no-brainer.
Edenish offers salads, subs and wraps with fresh ingredients, and will rotate ingredients regularly to match the seasons. The “fresh” description even applies to beverages: instead of selling prepackaged coconut water, the salad bar sells whole coconuts so customers can enjoy drinking it with a straw, and eat the coconut meat if they are so inclined — which several have been.
She said business has been great so far, but her favorite thing has been seeing people of all ages reaching for the healthy option.
“I’ve had lots of young kids who love salad. They come with their parents and choose their own toppings,” Vishal said. “Instead of burgers and fries, they want something healthy.”
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