Alfalfa, Hoboken’s pop-up turned brick-and-mortar salad startup, is proof that healthy food can be comfort food. On opening its first permanent location on Washington Street in early 2019, the eatery made it through a historically tough economic climate with enough momentum to open a second location, in Santa Monica, California, last fall.

Its recipe for success? A broad menu of specialty and build-your-own salads, breakfast burritos, and soups and broths, with vegan and gluten-free options, plus a cheery selection of gourmet doughnuts. But the not-so-secret ingredient is the joy that’s built into Alfalfa’s business model through special projects, fundraisers and partnerships.

With Project Joy, for example, Alfalfa has joined Bring Change to Mind (BC2M) on its mission to end the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness. The eatery has also partnered with Sean Johnson, US Men’s Soccer goalie; Carissa Stanton, founder of Brocc Your Body; and Camp Conscious, which aims to empower women to be conscious and present in their mental, physical and emotional state.

Whether it’s serving customers or launching new collaborations, Alfalfa’s goal is the same: to inspire healthier communities through balanced food and joyful experiences.

Location: 1110 Washington St., Hoboken, NJ. For more information, visit EatAlfalfa.com.