Dive Brief:
- Just Salad has appointed three C-suite level executives, according to a press release emailed to Restaurant Dive. The company named Jennifer Lally as chief marketing officer, Mark Berinato as chief experience officer and Stephen Blum as chief development officer.
- Lally previously worked as vice president of marketing for the brand, while Blum and Berinato are external hires.
- The salad brand is working to expand to new markets and build up its density in existing areas, according to the press release. Just Salad recently opened its first drive-thru store, a move that opens up new real estate and market opportunities for the roughly 90-unit fast casual chain.
Dive Insight:
Lally’s promotion to CMO follows a tenure as marketing VP that “has been instrumental in building brand strategy, driving local marketing efforts for over 40 new store openings, and reimaging Just Salad’s online presence,” the company said.
Lally, who has over 15 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, also led partnerships with other brands that raised the visibility of Just Salad and drove sales. As CMO, she will continue to work on expanding the brand’s identity and presence.
Prior to joining Just Salad as chief experience officer, Berinato worked at Cava as senior vice president of digital, loyalty and off-premises for three-and-a-half years, according to his LinkedIn profile. During that time, Cava focused on order customization and began developing a new loyalty program. Berinato also spent five years as vice president of digital at Panera. He has over 20 years of experience.
As CXO, Berinato will be tasked with supervising the in-store and digital guest experience to ensure Just Salad continues to offer “personalized, seamless experiences,” according to the press release.
Blum, the new CDO, will lead real estate, design and construction efforts that will accelerate the brand’s growth in new and existing markets, per the release.
Prior to joining Just Salad, Blum held senior leadership roles at Panera Bread, Panda Express, Au Bon Pain and Mod Pizza, according to the press release. He has over 20 years of experience in real estate and development.
