Just Salad, the fast-casual concept making everyday health and everyday sustainability possible, today announced it has appointed Andy Rooks as the brand’s first-ever chief marketing officer (CMO) and Apolinar Chavez as chief operating officer (COO). Both appointments highlight Just Salad’s continuous effort to strengthen its executive team to lead the company’s future growth trajectory.
“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,” said Nick Kenner, Founder and CEO of Just Salad. “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.”
Having worked in many consumer categories, Rooks brings a breadth of marketing knowledge to Just Salad and will use his extensive experience to facilitate growth, sales and brand strategy for Just Salad. Prior to this appointment, Rooks founded and served as CEO at Theory Marketing Partners, a consulting firm, where he advised over 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,” said Rooks. “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.”
With deep roots in the restaurant industry, Chavez will oversee Just Salad’s overall operational functions, and manage day-to-day and long-term activities. He will also lead the restaurant brand’s stringent safety protocol and implementation amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Chavez began his restaurant career as a cashier at Panda Express and through hard work and dedication, climbed through the corporate ranks, and earned 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,” said Chavez. “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.”
