New Salad Cafe With Sandwiches & Customizable Options Opens In Somerset County

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough couple Joe Trani and Kari LaSpisa are setting out on a new venture with the opening of The Fresh Fig in their hometown.

The couple opened the Fresh Fig, Hillsborough's only salad cafe with a build-your-own option and signature salads and sandwiches, in September.

"We thought that there was a gap in Hillsborough's food scene," said LaSpisa. "And what was missing was quick, fresh quality in one place. Fast casual is truly the direction that the food industry is shifting towards, and we wanted to make sure that Hillsborough had a spot like that, that focused on fresh, quality ingredients."

LaSpisa wanted to offer a healthier food option for locals looking to pick something up quickly.

"It's not drive-through food. It's not greasy food in a bag that you're kind of not excited about. This is fresh. This is high quality. And the best part about it is so much of it's customizable," said LaSpisa.

It is similar to a salad bar where people can pick and choose their ingredients, which works well for anyone with food allergies.

Along with salads and sandwiches, the menu offers soup, sweets and small bites such as avocado toast, burrata bruschetta, and meatballs.

All of the ingredients are, for the most part, locally sourced as well.

"We try to partner with local farms, and we do our best to use as much produce from Norz Hill Farm since it helps keep our menu seasonal," said LaSpisa.

The Fresh Fig also has a retail section with authentic Italian imports, vegan and gluten-free items(such as a vegan Nutella), and unique gems.

Custom gift baskets with products from the retail section and a full holiday catering menu with hot and cold food are also offered.

Delivery is also offered with free delivery to all schools in Hillsborough for staff and teachers.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate The Fresh Fig will be held on Dec. 16 at 3 p.m. at 640 Route 206 inside of Hillsborough Village Center (behind Bottle King), unit 130. Complimentary samples and tastings will be offered.

The Fresh Fig is open Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information or to order online, visit thefreshfighillsborough.com or follow instagram.com/thefreshfighillsborough or facebook.com.

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