The Place

Fast N Fresh, 8105 Cooper Creek Blvd., Bradenton, (941) 462-2650, eatfastnfresh.com. (There’s a new location in Lakewood Ranch, too.) Clean, calm and uncluttered, Fast N Fresh is decorated with framed posters depicting fruits, vegetables and other ingredients you might order in your salad or sandwich.

The Crowd

Cooper Creek shoppers; East County professionals who prefer a low-key meal break as opposed to an intense power lunch.

Time Factor

The assembled-before-your-eyes cafeteria style is fast enough; faster still are the “Design-Your-Own Salad [or Sandwich]” sheets (available on the right-hand wall as you walk in), which let you check off all your desired salad fixings, hand it over to the cook staff, pay and get your perfectly customized meal in almost no time at all.

The Food

The freshness doesn’t disappoint. Everyday menu items include creative salads ($7.49, plus more for protein), and sandwiches, wraps and paninis (from $6.99). Or customize your own from the vast selection of proteins (like turkey, tuna, tofu and hummus), cheeses (including Swiss, feta and goat cheese), veggies and fruits (edamame, diced pears, black beans, red peppers and lots more), dried toppings (like crispy onions, candied pecans and tortilla strips) and dressings, ranging from oil and vinegar to cucumber wasabi or Zinfandel vinaigrette.