Leadership

Salata Salad Kitchen hires its 1st chief development officer

David Wheeler previously held the post with Focus Brands.
Photograph courtesy of Salata

Fast-casual salad chain Salata Salad Kitchen has hired its first chief development officer as it gears up to grow the brand.

David Wheeler, formerly chief development officer for Focus Brands, briefly served as a consultant for Salata. In his new role, he will develop new markets for the concept while helping with strategic development. He will work to create efficiencies for building out new restaurants and driving franchise sales.

“David’s drive and proven track record make him the perfect person for the role,” Salata President Michelle Bythewood said in a statement. “His franchise sales and development expertise is invaluable to our team and our business.”

David-wheeler

David Wheeler

Houston-based Salata was founded in 2005 and now has more than 80 company and franchised locations in Texas, Oklahoma, Illinois, Georgia, California and Florida. The chain offers dozens of salad ingredients to pair with housemade dressings.

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