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Photos: Healthy fast food

Tender Greens operates 17 locations, all in California. Above, Tender Greens workers prepare lunch for customers in Santa Monica last month.

Tender Greens operates 17 locations, all in California. Above, Tender Greens workers prepare lunch for customers in Santa Monica last month.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

America’s interest in locally sourced and healthful foods has spurred a boom in farmer’s markets and farm-to-table restaurants. Now, several upstart chains trying to tap that interest are taking aim at traditional fast food by moving leafy greens and fruits to the center of the plate.

Tender Greens

The entrepreneurs behind healthy fast food say they are confident that diners will be eager to pay slightly more for good meals that are easy on the arteries. Above, Tender Greens customer Linda Hsu in Santa Monica last month.   (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Tender Greens

A lunchtime crowd forms a line out the front door last month at the Tender Greens restaurant in Santa Monica.   (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Simply Salad

Danny Durbin, left, and Juan Perez use bins of varying leafy greens to make salads at Simply Salad in Santa Monica last month.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

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Simply Salad

The first Simply Salad opened in 2010. In August, the third location opened in Santa Monica. The chain’s owners plan to add five more restaurants in the L.A. area in the next two years and then take on the rest of the state. Above, the Santa Monica outlet.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Simply Salad

Simply Salad restaurants have thrived, especially with diners who want to get in and out in less than 30 minutes without downing a burrito or burger. Above, a Simply Salad lunchtime crowd in Santa Monica.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

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