"R.J. Grunts, the Lincoln Park restaurant that launched mammoth Chicago restaurant group Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises 50 years ago, has long touted its salad bar — even claiming to have brought the concept to the U.S. COVID-19 brought buffets and self-serve options to a halt. And even though some are returning across the country, LEYE is tweaking its offerings at RJ Grunts with a reimagined pandemic-era version they’re calling the “Digital Chopped Salad Bar.” Instead of sauntering up to a physical bar to assemble a personalized salad, patrons can choose eight to 10 out of 35 total ingredient options, checking off items with an analog paper card at the table or venturing online. Grunts’ salad bar had been shut down since March 2020. Options include more than 20 vegetables, including basil-marinated tomatoes, avocado, and spicy giardiniera; proteins such as grilled chicken, tuna salad, and bacon; grains and legumes like quinoa and garbanzo beans; crunchy toppers like tortilla strips and croutons; and a choice of dressing — all atop a bed of greens." - Naomi Waxman
