Salata Salad Kitchen Announces Multi-Unit Franchising Initiative

Growth Strategy

“The time is now for Salata. We’re in the right spot to advance our growth strategy from one that prioritized organic growth within our franchise system, to one that incorporates the recruitment of seasoned restaurant franchise operators in select markets that are attractive for our growth,” said Julie Davis, vice president of franchise development for Salata. “The focus is on solidifying relationships with sophisticated operators that can grow the brand in these new markets.”

Salata has shown its resilience with sales performance recovering strong from COVID-19-induced slowdowns. Within the past year, weekly sales records for Salata have grown significantly - multiple markets are delivering 20% to 30% year-over-year sales growth. As the brand meets the increasing demand for convenient and healthier meal options, newer locations have generated extraordinary initial sales, with Salata’s most recent opening in Mesquite, Texas breaking the record for the highest grand opening sales of all locations.

The strong performance has been boosted by Salata’s app, online ordering platforms and third-party ordering partners, with nearly a quarter of orders coming from these sources so far in 2022. This year’s momentum builds upon a robust sales surge in 2021, when average unit volume (AUV) increased 6%. The growth in restaurant performance delivers average revenues above $1 million system-wide.

Expansion Plans

Salata currently plans to develop and open a total of 12 locations in 2022, while adding 60 units to its development pipeline. Openings are currently planned for Greater Houston, the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and Charlotte. Priority markets for future growth include appealing regions with substantial white space for expansion, such as Alabama, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida.

Ideal franchisees should have experience in restaurant development and operations, with previous business ownership experience preferred. A $1 million net worth and liquidity of $300,000 is required, and self-financed and pre-approved financed candidates will be considered. Candidates should also truly believe in the Salata brand and approach to deliver an exceptional customer experience.

“Our positioning couldn’t be better for multi-unit franchisees to invest in Salata given today’s consumer preferences and the convenience we offer guests with technology advancements. The proof of concept is definitely there,” said Michelle Bythewood, president of Salata. “We’ve dialed in on the support we provide our franchisees with modernized tools and resources they need in terms of marketing, operations, technology and supply chain.”

Tech Advancements

In addition, Salata has maintained its place at the leading edge of the fast casual restaurant category with tech-enabled advancements in four critical areas – putting the power of ordering and loyalty in the hands of guests through mobile app user experiences, front-of-the-house team member/guest interaction, best-in-class operations and strategic vendor partnerships. Moreover, the brand has introduced multiple restaurant design options to suit a variety of real estate. These new restaurant builds have been designed to accommodate a smaller dining room footprint and a focus on online ordering pick-up to adapt to the fast casual industry’s major shift toward off-premise dining.

Some builds now also include walk-up windows or drive-thru pickup windows. Most locations are between 1,200 and 2,000 square feet, facilitating flexibility in site selection so franchisees maximize guest traffic.

Salata Salad Kitchen is a fast casual salad concept founded in 2005 by Berge Simonian in Houston. The concept was developed to provide quick, healthy meal options to customers. The menu features more than 50 fresh toppings and house-made dressings for guests to customize their salads and wraps so they can eat, feel and live the way they want. With no complex or intimidating ingredients, the options are simple and familiar for customers of all backgrounds. Topped with excellent customer service, the Salata experience is simple, playful and genuine.

The brand began franchising in 2006 and has now expanded to more than 80 locations in Texas, Georgia, Southern California, Louisiana, and North Carolina.