A hidden gem in Macon, this popular spot offers fresh, made-to-order salads
Motorists driving by on Eisenhower Parkway in Macon likely will miss this popular eatery unless they’re in the know.
Nestled in a shopping strip anchored by a convenience store and gas station, this hidden gem is known for its fresh, made-to-order salads. The small spot, geared for takeout with limited dine-in, also offers a few sandwiches and a soup of the day.
The Salad Palace celebrated its grand opening on April 3 in its new location at 701 Eisenhower Parkway, Suite A, about three miles down the road from its former space in a strip mall near Central Georgia Technical College.
What The Salad Palace customers had to say
Alison Booker and co-worker Keaira Davis frequented the former location and followed the restaurant to its new spot.
“Great price, great food,” said Booker, who’s a fan of the restaurant’s tuna salad.
Other than a fast food restaurant, which is really “no comparison,” Booker said there’s no other place to get a fresh salad for lunch like The Salad Palace.
Que Simmons also is a regular customer who followed the restaurant to its new space, having first heard about The Salad Palace over a year ago when she was getting her hair done and people were talking about it at the salon.
She ordered the “Your Highness” salad that includes shrimp, crab meat, salmon, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, eggs, cheese, bacon bits, croutons and choice of dressing, according to the menu.
Simmons also appreciates the customer service and welcoming environment, often bringing her family and friends to the restaurant.
How The Salad Palace got its start
Owner Tasha Williams started The Salad Palace in honor of her late mother, Deborah Harris, who struggled with health problems until her death at age 62 in 2014, to offer healthier eating options.
Her mother first dubbed Williams as “The Salad Queen,” a nickname that has stuck to this day.
Williams started out making salads in her home in 2012 to encourage her mother to eat better.
She asked friends at Cherokee Brick in Macon to take some of her salads to their workplace to see if there might be a demand.
From making salads and selling them from her home, Williams next opened her restaurant, originally called Salads 2 Go, in east Macon at 1950 Millerfield Road.
Williams operated Salads 2 Go for several years, including another location in Milledgeville for a short time, before closing the restaurant to take a break. She later restarted Salads To Go at 2270 Pio Nono Ave., which closed in early 2020.
In January 2024, Williams returned with The Salad Palace in a strip mall off Eisenhower Parkway before moving to her current location.
The Salad Palace is a family affair
At age 55, Williams operates The Salad Palace with her youngest daughter, Alisia Boyd, fiance, Christoper Walker, and oldest daughter, Raven Nelson.
Williams arrives every day at 7 a.m. to prep for opening. Everything is sliced fresh. Nothing comes from a bag or is pre-made. She often finds herself prepping throughout the day to keep up with demand.
Among the most popular salads are the chef salad, the seafood salad and the “Lucy” named after a longtime customer that’s made the way she always ordered it.
The salad includes chicken salad, romaine lettuce, craisins, mandarin oranges, blueberries, pineapple, strawberries and pecans.
The salads, which are customizable, come with ample portions in sizes of mini, small, medium and large.
With a small staff and everything made to order, customers can expect a wait for their orders. Peak times are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The Salad Palace is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily except for Sunday, when it’s closed. Customers may order in store, by phone or online. Third-party delivery is also available. EBT cards are accepted. The number is 478- 444-1277.
This story was originally published April 15, 2026 at 6:00 AM.