Rapidly growing salad bar concept bolsters executive team with industry veteran
Salata – the Next Generation Salad Bar – announced today that Michelle Bythewood has joined its executive team as chief marketing officer. In her new role, Bythewood will lead brand management and strategy, national and field marketing, media, digital strategy, marketing technology, and product innovation.
“I am delighted to welcome Michelle to our team at this important stage of our brand’s growth,” said Berge Simonian, founder and CEO of Salata. “She is a talented, strong leader with a keen understanding of the full spectrum of marketing and product strategy. The wealth of experience Michelle brings in brand management, product pipeline, marketing strategy, marketing calendar execution and creative direction will help propel our brand forward for many years to come.”
Bythewood is a 27-year veteran of restaurant marketing. She is the founder and principal of Field Marketing Focus, a marketing consulting firm that leads overall strategy development while helping build partnerships within communities. Bythewood has also successfully led the marketing efforts of several notable restaurant brands over her career. She served as vice president of brand marketing for Cicis, senior director of field marketing for Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers and brand vice president of marketing for Schlotzsky’s/Cinnabon Express (FOCUS Brands).
“Salata is an emerging brand dedicated to supporting healthy lifestyles, and that’s something I am very passionate about,” said Bythewood. “I look forward to helping lead the continued growth and innovation of this one-of-a-kind salad concept.”
Outside of the office, Bythewood is actively engaged in her community. She serves as a mentor in the Dallas/Fort Worth American Marketing Association’s Mentor Program, guiding up-and-coming marketing professionals to expand their knowledge base and achieve their goals. She also sits on the Board of Directors of DHLC Now, a Dallas-based nonprofit that helps individuals and families with housing-related concerns during times of need.
Founded in 2005, Houston-based Salata is ranked among the fastest-growing small chains in the U.S. by Restaurant Business. Salata has more than 65 corporate-owned and franchise locations in Texas, Oklahoma, Illinois and Southern California and plans to open 30 additional restaurants in 2017 in multiple markets, including Florida and Georgia. For more information, visit salata.com or facebook.com/salatasalads.
