For many, starting a new business in 2020 could mean a death sentence. For MV Salads, it was just the beginning. The 2021 Best New Restaurant winner has continued its hot streak, winning Best Vegetarian Meal, Best Takeout, and placing runner-up in the Best Lunch category in the annual Best of the Vineyard readers’ poll, presented by this magazine. Owner Susanna Herlitz-Ferguson is already putting all that good press to use, opening up a new clothing and cookware store, MV Botiga, in the heart of Edgartown.

What’s the secret to selling salads like hot cakes? Herlitz-Ferguson says it’s all about positivity.

“I think Islanders truly love our salads,” Herlitz-Ferguson told the magazine in an email. “But I also think that being inside our MV Salads store and feeling its positive energy makes guests fall in love with us and our unique concept.”

While many businesses struggled to adapt during the pandemic, MV Salads’ takeout-friendly model allowed it to keep and even grow its customer base.

“Surprisingly, 2020 and 2021 were actually very good years for us in terms of business,” Herlitz-Ferguson said. “We added online ordering in 2020. Since we are known to be extremely clean and healthy, and by giving customers the option to quickly pick up their orders, we gained a lot of extra business. Our only big challenge was the staff shortage which shortened our season last year.”

Aside from debuting MV Botiga, Herlitz-Ferguson plans to continue sourcing as many ingredients as possible from local farms and businesses and finally conquer the dreaded lunch slowdown. Most of all, Herlitz-Ferguson is looking forward to another successful season.

“We are so extremely grateful to all who came out to vote for us, and we are so pleased that we were able to meet your expectations,” she said. “We hope we added a little kindness to your visits and your salad experiences.”