Staffing

Just Salad adds to exec team

Provided

August 17, 2020

New York City-based Just Salad has appointed Andy Rooks as its first CMO and hired Apolinar Chavez as COO.

Both appointments highlight the brand's effort to grow, Nick Kenner, founder and CEO of Just Salad, said in a press release.

"On behalf of the Just Salad team, I am delighted to welcome Andy, and congratulate Apolinar on his appointment as he has proven to be an indispensable part of our team," he said. "As we continue to launch new, diversified offerings and strengthen our brand's competitive edge, I am confident the expertise Andy and Apolinar bring will be incredibly valuable in driving sustained success for the business today and in the long-term."

Rooks founded and served as CEO at Theory Marketing Partners, where he advised more than 75 clients across multiple industries on brand positioning, pricing, customer research, and go-to-market strategies. Before founding Theory, Rooks worked at 360i and MRY, helping Fortune 500 brands like Ben & Jerry's, MetLife, Subway, and Budweiser with creative strategy, consumer insight and social marketing best practices.

"Just Salad is an esteemed, forward-thinking company and I am honored to join the team as chief marketing officer," Rooks said in the release. "I have the utmost respect for the brand and its mission to serve healthy food at an affordable price with a sustainable ethos, and I look forward to implementing ways to further amplify that message."

Chavez will oversee Just Salad's operational functions as well as manage day-to-day and long-term activities and lead safety protocol implementation amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Chavez began his restaurant career as a cashier at Panda Express but eventually climbed up the corporate ranks, earning promotions nearly every two years.

"My time working with Just Salad has afforded me an experience like no other, and I am humbled to have this new opportunity to lead operations for this business," Chavez said in the release. "While the restaurant industry is facing extraordinary challenges right now, Just Salad as brand and business continue to significantly outperform. We have the best team and the strategy in place to continue safely serving our loyal guests."

Just Salad was founded in 2006 in New York City and has nearly 50 locations.