Saladworks, the nation's first and largest fresh-tossed salad restaurant chain, announced the hiring of a new distribution and procurement director, as well as a new social media/local store marketing (LSM) manager. The new hires were driven by the company's aggressive growth strategy, launched in the third quarter 2015, focusing on expanding store locations, strengthening franchisee relations, and continuing to build on the power of the brand. Both new hires will work primarily out of Saladworks headquarters in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.
Joe Giannetti, who started on July 1, was hired as distribution and procurement director. Giannetti is a 45-year veteran of the food service industry, including several years serving as vice president of franchise services for Saladworks. Giannetti brings to the table a depth of experience in consumer and vendor relations, as well as business management, procurement expertise, and a keen eye for store level profitability. As distribution and procurement director, Giannetti will work with Saladworks franchisees, vendors, and broad-line distributors to develop and implement strategies and processes that ultimately assure customers experience the freshest, on-the-go dining experience and are offered interesting menu alternatives that evolve with health trends and lifestyles. Giannetti is also going to help the Brand achieve its goal of a reduction in food cost across the entire system.
"Joe Giannetti is a superb business and idea man, plus he has the added asset of already knowing what distinguishes our brand … which is invaluable as we have more than 50 new stores currently in development," says president and CEO Paul Steck. "We are confident Joe's passion for the industry, solution-oriented thinking, and proven ability to work within time and budget parameters will provide exactly the fuel required to match our aggressive growth strategy."
Emily Sabolsky brings more than five years of agency experience as a social media specialist and senior account executive, including serving several fast food and foodservice clients, to her new position as Saladworks' social media/LSM manager. In this position, Sabolsky will work with customers, franchisees, vendors, and internally with departments such as marketing and public relations, to coordinate and implement social media strategies and other digital-based communications ranging in focus from new store openings and seasonal specials, to creating "brand buzz." Sabolsky will enhance the effectiveness of new store openings with larger, grandiose events with a focus on community involvement.
"With a brand like Saladworks, and a vision like ours, social media is our power source … to succeed we need a manager with big ideas, technical aptitude, and a finger on the pulse of the consumer, as well as communication trends," Steck says. "Emily Sabolsky certainly fits the bill, and we look forward to leveraging her abilities to really elevate our level of connection and interactions with our customers, especially as we begin to roll out initiatives including new store design and menu enhancements."
In June, Saladworks announced plans to increase its home-office staff by more than 40 percent over six months to support growth initiatives and elevate franchise relationships.
