The Road to 100: Salata Plans for Strategic Franchise Growth in 2023

After an impressive year of growth that included the addition of several new restaurants across multiple states, an expanded corporate support team, a system-wide refresh initiative and a renewed franchise growth initiative, Salata, the nation’s leading built-to-order salad kitchen – is anticipating an explosive year in 2023 as it nears the 100-unit milestone. 

Salata entered 2021 with a focus on rebuilding, hiring Julie Davis, an accomplished professional with 25 years of experience working for iconic franchise brands like Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and Dunkin’, as its Vice President of Franchise Development. In 2022, Davis spearheaded the launch of a revamped franchise growth initiative, announcing Salata’s targeted expansion with well-capitalized, proven multi-unit owner-operator groups. Under this plan, Salata expanded its portfolio in new territories such as Charlotte, North Carolina, while strengthening its footprint in existing markets with new locations in Magnolia, Mesquite, Spring Branch and Lake Highlands, Texas. 

Continuing to bolster its franchise support team, Salata also welcomed its new Vice President of Information Technology, Briton Smetzer, to its team in 2022. Since joining Salata, Smetzer has helped revamp the organization’s internal tech suite, setting the foundation for continued improvements that will help franchisees increase their bottom line. 

Salata also showed its resilience through sales performance, with multiple markets delivering 20% to 30% year-over-year sales growth, surpassing a $1.3 million AUV. These figures affirm the increased popularity for healthier-for-you lunch and dinner options, which further solidify Salata’s positioning as a leading brand in the fast casual space and have helped to increase the concept’s franchise development pipeline, garnering strong interest from qualified candidates. 

Interested candidates who want to bring a healthy choice for fresh, customizable options to communities across the nation can inquire about growth options by visiting Salata’s franchising website, or, connecting with Julie Davis at jdavis@salata.com to set up time to speak by phone. 

SPONSORED BY:

Learn More