Staffing

Salata adds 3 female execs to leadership team

Joining Salat's team are Michele Maerz as VP of Operations, Julie Davis as VP of Franchise Development and Kelly Finley as director of Off-Premise. Provided.

November 22, 2021

Salata Salad Kitchen has added three executives to its corporate team. Michele Maerz joins the team as VP of Operations, Julie Davis is now VP of Franchise Development, and Kelly Finley serves as director of Off-Premise.

"As we look to grow our executive team in the Home Office, I'm thrilled to bring on three women that are at the top of our industry," Michelle Bythewood, president of Salata Salad Kitchen said in a company press release. "Michele, Julie and Kelly each bring a unique skillset to the team that perfectly complement our goals for Salata as we continue to grow and improve upon the processes we have in place at both our franchise and corporately-owned restaurants."

Most recently, Maerz served as RVP of the South Region at On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, where she was responsible for leading operations of 39 casual dining Mexican restaurants operating in Texas, Kansas, Tennessee, Arkansas and Oklahoma. Prior to that role, she spent four years at Lazy Dog Restaurants as regional director of the Texas and North California markets. Previous restaurant group experience also includes BJ's Restaurants Inc. and Brinker International Inc.

Davis, who has worked at Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen, Dunkin' Brands Inc. and El Pollo Loco, will focus on the strategic development of new and existing markets for Salata. Most recently, Davis served as franchise development executive of Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, where she was brought on to improve the franchise development program while identifying and capitalizing on growth markets. Davis leveraged her network to close 79 commitments in her first three months in the role and increased qualified leads by 70% during her time with the company.

Finley, Salata's director of Off-Premises and Catering, will guide the chain in establishing off-premise processes that can be scaled and replicated throughout the brand. Additionally, she plans to enhance and grow third-party relationships.

Previously, Finley was a regional manager for Pilot Flying J, where she was responsible for the profitability of eight travel center locations and oversaw the growth and development of 13 managers in eight cities. Prior to that, Finley was the director of Operations at Jason's Deli from 2017 to 2020.

Founded in 2005, Houston-based Salata has over 80 corporate-owned and franchise locations in Texas, Georgia, Southern California, Louisiana and North Carolina.