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Former Schlotzsky’s development chief moves to Salata Salad Kitchen

David Wheeler tasked with growing new markets for fast-casual brand

Lisa Jennings, Executive Editor

February 22, 2019

1 Min Read
Former Schlotzsky’s development chief moves to Salata Salad Kitchen
Courtesy of Salata Salad Kitchen

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.”

Contact Lisa Jennings at lisa.jennings@knect365.com 

Follow her on Twitter: @livetodineout

Read more about:

Focus Brands

About the Author

Lisa Jennings

Executive Editor, Nation's Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality

Lisa Jennings is executive editor of Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality. She joined the NRN staff as West Coast editor in 2004 as a veteran journalist. Before joining NRN, she spent 11 years at The Commercial Appeal, the daily newspaper in Memphis, Tenn., most recently as editor of the Food and Health & Wellness sections. Prior experience includes staff reporting for the Washington Business Journal and United Press International.

Lisa’s areas of expertise include coverage of both large public restaurant chains and small independents, the regulatory and legal landscapes impacting the industry overall, as well as helping operators find solutions to run their business better.

Lisa Jennings’ experience:

Executive editor, NRN (March 2020 to present)

Executive editor, Restaurant Hospitality (January 2018 to present)

Senior editor, NRN (September 2004 to March 2020)

Reporter/editor, The Commercial Appeal (1990-2001)

Reporter, Washington Business Journal (1985-1987)

Contact Lisa Jennings at:

Lisa.jennings@informa.com

@livetodineout

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-jennings-83202510/

 

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