Sponsored By

Just Salad makes three executive changesJust Salad makes three executive changes

The fast-casual restaurant names Jennifer Lally, Mark Berinato, and Stephen Blum to new roles

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

February 3, 2025

1 Min Read
Just Salad blue bowls
Just Salad has made three C-suite appointments.Just Salad

Just Salad has made three C-suite appointments, the company said Monday.

The New York City-based brand has promoted Jennifer Lally to chief marketing officer, named Mark Berinato as chief experience officer, and appointed Stephen Blum as chief development officer.

The fast-casual brand said the appointments were made at the company prepared to open its 100th Just Salad unit this year.

Lally previously served as Just Salad’s vice president of marketing. In her new role, she will continue to lead Just Salad’s marketing strategy and partnerships. She served previously as marketing director for Nespresso USA.

“Jennifer’s creative leadership has been a key driver of Just Salad’s growth, and her unique ability to connect with our guests in a meaningful way has been integral to building our incredibly strong brand affinity,” Nick Kenner, Just Salad founder and CEO, said in a statement.

Berinato previously served at Panera Bread and CAVA. He will oversee the guest experience, both in-store and digitally.

“Mark’s innovative approach to the guest experience will help us continue to meet the evolving needs of our guests while enhancing our position as a brand that makes healthy, sustainable food easy to enjoy,” Kenner said.

Blum previously served in leadership roles at Panera Bread, Panda Express, Au Bon Pain, and MOD Pizza. He will oversee Just Salad’s growth strategy, leading efforts across real estate, design, and construction.

Related:CKE Restaurants celebrates retirement of long-time international business leader Mike Woida

“Stephen’s proven track record in scaling brands and driving successful development strategies will be instrumental as we continue to grow rapidly, nearing 100 store locations this year,” Kenner said.

Just Salad has more than 90 locations across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]

Follow him on X/Twitter: @RonRuggless

About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

Subscribe Nation's Restaurant News Newsletters
Get the latest breaking news in the industry, analysis, research, recipes, consumer trends, the latest products and more.