Gail’s Salad Co.

Fresh Homemade dressings make these salads pop

IT ALL STARTED with a balsamic vinaigrette that was the best Seaville resident Ben Haberman
had ever tasted. And it was made by his stepmom Gail Haberman.
He knew more people needed to try it.
“Being an entrepreneur, I decided to take action,” said Ben. “I called up my friends Tim Janicki (of Galloway), Dave Joslin, and Sean Collins (both of Seaville), and I told them we all should consider starting a salad company with all dressings and ingredients made from scratch.”
That’s how Gail’s Salad Co. was born.
Their goal was to create a small shop that was online and pickup orders only – and to have the best salad options around, of course.
“There was one hiccup though, it was the beginning of 2020 and COVID had just touched down. Restaurants were being required to close all around and businesses were struggling all over,” said Ben. “It was a huge risk but we found a spot at 611 E. 8th Street in Ocean City and decided to push forward and start renovations in May 2020 to be open in July 2020.”
And so Gail’s Salad Co. opened on July 4, 2020, and has been serving delicious salads and wraps and selling their homemade dressing ever since.
Their homemade dressings, created by Gail and Tim (Gail’s Salad Co. founder and chief of culinary) are a main staple of the salads and wraps, but can also be purchased by the bottle
for $8. Options include Miso Ginger Vinaigrette, Chipotle Ranch, Lemon Basil Vinaigrette, Roasted Garlic Caesar, and the dressing that started it all, Balsamic Vinaigrette.
What makes them so special?
Gail’s Salad Co. uses locally sourced ingredients and fresh produce from vendors throughout Cape May County. The dressings are bright, full of flavor, and light.
“They are made from scratch,” said Tim, “No processed ingredients.”
Gail’s has eight signature salads, including the California Cobb, a customer favorite, with romaine lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, hard-boiled egg, bacon, blue cheese, and grilled chicken, served with their unforgettable balsamic vinaigrette.
The Asian Crunch has mixed greens, quinoa, red onion, cucumber, wonton strips, and grilled chicken, served with a miso ginger vinaigrette.
Mediterranean Caesar with romaine lettuce, tomatoes, kalamata olives, shaved parmesan, croutons, and grilled chicken is served with roasted garlic Caesar dressing.
For salad lovers who want a more free range experience, there’s a build-your-own option where customers choose their base, protein, toppings and one of five homemade dressings.

Gail’s has specials, too, like their new Caribbean Shrimp salad with romaine, mango salsa, coconut bacon, black beans, avocado, blackened grilled shrimp. It’s served with coconut lime vinaigrette.
“I like to come up with special salads based on what local produce is in season and/or types of salads that go with the season we are in each month,” said Tim.
In the mood for a wrap? Gail’s has Buffalo Chicken, Mediterranean Caesar, Asian Crunch, and Cabo Fresca. The restaurant also offers seven family salad boxes that feed up to six people and include whole wheat rolls and a free bottle of dressing.
One of Ben’s favorite things about being the chief of operations at Gail’s Salad Co. is watching people become “addicted” to their salads.
“I truly believe we have the best salad in the world,” he said.
He credits Tim, who has no formal culinary arts training, as a culinary genius who nailed the concept of the company.
“I’m just someone who likes to cook,” Tim said. “I appreciate food, and its presentation even more.”
Alison Curvan agrees that the salads are addictive. She is a frequent customer who lives locally in South Dennis.
“They are a delicious and perfect representation of Garden State cuisine at its best,” she said.
Her go-to order?
The Holy! Avocado salad, made with romaine lettuce, spinach, avocado, chickpeas, dried cranberries, walnuts, and hemp seed.
“The flavors and textures perfectly complement one another; it’s filling, but never heavy,” she said. “It’s the perfect meal for a summer day.”
“They take pride in their food. Everything is done right, and the customer service is top-notch,” Alison added. “The menu is fully customizable, and there are so many options and different combinations that I never get tired of their food. Also, their specials, especially the Caribbean Shrimp, are out of this world. Good people and good food… you can’t go wrong.”
The team behind Gail’s Salad Co. is looking to spread the salad love with a possible second location opening up in Cape May Court House. Locals and visitors alike can customize their salad and wrap options online at gailssalad.com and by calling 609-336-3263, or by checking out their fresh fridges stocked with pre-built salads at Manco & Manco Pizza in Ocean City (they are also on the menu) and Ocean View Campground.
“It has been a huge learning curve,” added Ben, “but we are getting closer and closer to perfecting our business model.”

Find this story and more in our August magazine.