It started with a simple vision: food that tastes great and doesn’t cost the planet. For Just Salad, that vision guides everything from pioneering carbon-labeled menus to their famous reusable bowls. But when it came to finding the perfect grain to complement their fresh, vibrant dishes, they needed something special—something that stood for more than just flavor. They needed something sustainable.
That’s when they found Castor River Habitat & Farm.
Nestled in the heart of Southeast Missouri, Castor River Habitat & Farm isn’t your average rice farm, it’s a living example of how farming can work in harmony with nature.. Since 1954, the Hunter family has been perfecting the art of sustainable agriculture. Now under the conservatorship of a third-generation, Castor River has perfected the art of regenerative agriculture—an innovative approach that goes beyond sustainability to actually restore health of the land through conservation and habitat preservation. Their careful stewardship of the land produces more than just flavorful rice; their crop is the result of years of nurturing soil, protecting ecosystems, and working hand-in-hand with nature.
And now, you can find this commitment to the earth in key dishes in all 70+ locations of one of the fastest-growing fast-casual chains in the country, Just Salad.
A Meeting of minds (and missions)
The partnership between Just Salad and Castor River Farm wasn’t just a business deal—it was a meeting of like-minded pioneers, united by a shared vision for a healthier plant.
For Just Salad’s sustainability & culinary team, sourcing food that could meet their rigorous standards without compromising on flavor has always been a priority. They found that perfect balance in Castor River. “At Just Salad, we believe that healthy eating should also be sustainable. Our partnership with Castor River Habitat & Farm allows us to offer our customers rice that is not only delicious but also grown with a focus on environmental stewardship. We're proud to support regenerative agriculture and work directly with a farm that shares our values .”
For Johnny Hunter II, Conservator, Farmer, and CEO of Castor River Habitat & Farm, the opportunity to partner with Just Salad was an exciting next step to amplify a shared vision. “We're thrilled to partner with Just Salad. It‘s refreshing to work with a company on a similar sustainability journey that understands the importance of regenerative agriculture. Together, we’re bringing our anything-but-ordinary rice to a broader audience while promoting farming practices that benefit both the environment and the food we grow.”
From the farm to your fork
Castor River’s regenerative rice is already on the plates (or bowls) of Just Salad’s customers, featured in popular dishes like the Cilantro Lime Chicken Bowl and the Spicy Tofu Crunch Bowl. Every grain of rice is the promise of preservation and sustainability, grown with the shared mission of offering delicious, eco-friendly meals.
For both companies, the partnership is about more than just a product. It’s a statement: that quality food and responsible farming practices can—and should—go hand-in-hand. And for customers, it’s an invitation to be part of something bigger. Each bowl served isn’t just a meal; it’s a vote for a healthier planet.
A shared journey forward
In an era where consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their food, Just Salad and Castor River are leading the way. Their partnership is setting new standards in fast-casual dining of how businesses can innovate and push for positive change, without compromising on quality and flavor.
By teaming up with Castor River, Just Salad has reinforcing its position as the leader in the sustainable dining space. Castor River, in turn, has the opportunity to bring its regenerative farming practices—and its premium rice—to a much wider audience.
For consumers who value both taste and sustainability, this collaboration offers a glimpse into the future of dining—it’s an invitation to take part in a delicious meal and a healthier planet.. Every dish made with Castor River rice at Just Salad is a step toward a more responsible and regenerative food system.
Interested in sustainable sourcing? Begin your sustainability journey with farm-direct sourcing with Castor River Habitat & Farm.
About Castor River Habitat & Farm
Castor River Habitat & Farm is a family-owned,vertically integrated farm based in Southeast Missouri. Their farm is dedicated to producing high-quality rice using innovative
regenerative farming practices. The methods they have developed for over a decade not only sustain but restore harmony to the land. For more information, visit www.CastorRiverFarms.com
About Just Salad
Empowering customers to “Eat with Purpose”; Just Salad is a Certified B Corporation™ and home to the world’s largest restaurant reusable program, as well as the first U.S. restaurant chain to carbon label its menu and offer a Climatarian menu category. The company was founded in 2006 and has over 80 locations across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts.
