Operations

Salad Collective acquires Tokyo Joe's

September 20, 2022

Salad Collective, the Golden, Colorado-based parent company of Mad Greens and Snappy Salads, has acquired Tokyo Joe's and will continue to accentuate its unique worldly flavors, superior menu quality, popular Addict Club loyalty program, high energy and all-around positive vibe, according to Darden Coors, CEO of Salad Collective, who architected the Mad Greens acquisition of Snappy Salads in 2019, which eventually formed Salad Collective. The details of the transaction were not provided.

"We've found a natural connection in terms of brand values, vibrant cultures, customer engagement, and commitment to delicious, approachable, better-for-you foods," Coors said in a company press release. "This is a fantastic opportunity for us to join forces with a great team and set up all three Collective brands for long-term success."

As part of the acquisition, Coors will become CEO of Tokyo Joe's, a role previously held by Larry Leith, who founded the chain 26 years ago.

"Aligning with Salad Collective puts our brand in a strong place for our future — Tokyo Joe's locations are incredible community gathering spots where we've created amazing relationships with our guests and employees," Leith said in the release. "I'm 100 percent behind Salad Collective, the synergies between our teams, the values we share and the commitment to our people and our guests all run parallel. Bringing these two companies together will make them each even stronger, leveraging best practices, resources and teams of great people."

While Leith will focus on a smooth transition — and eventually chase other projects — the rest of the leadership team, support staff and restaurant employees will remain with the brand. Tokyo Joe's will eventually relocate its headquarters from Denver Tech Center to the Golden area to be able to work more collaboratively with the Salad Collective team.

The Salad Collective, which has 65 location across its brands, is also preparing Mad Greens for selective franchising later this year and is evaluating non-traditional growth opportunities through licensing in airports, colleges and other high-traffic venues where speed, convenience and better-for-you foods are in demand, according to the release.