Houston-based Salata Salad Kitchen has named David Wheeler, left, to the newly created position of chief development officer, the company said Thursday.
Wheeler was previously chief development officer for Focus Brands/Schlotzsky’s, and before that he was vice president of business development for Campero USA. He previously held leadership positions at The Krystal Company and Boston Pizza.
For the past four months, Wheeler served as a consultant for the fast-casual Salata, which operates and franchises more than 80 units in Texas, Oklahoma, Illinois, Georgia, Southern California and Florida.
As consultant, he led processes and procedures for franchise sales and development, helped onboard a new customer relationship management, or CRM, system and digital interactive market planning program, conducted an analysis of existing franchisees and helped develop a new franchise sales website, the company said.
In his new role, he will be tasked with developing new markets and assisting in the strategic direction of the company.
“The addition of David Wheeler as Salata’s chief development officer is paramount to Salata’s growth,” said Michelle Blythewood, the chain’s president. “David’s drive and proven track record make him the perfect person for the role. His franchise sales and development expertise is invaluable to our team and our business. David has already been pivotal in our organization’s growth plan for 2019 and beyond.”
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