Salata Salad Kitchen, a leader for nearly two decades in the healthy fast-casual industry, is continuing to grow throughout its Texas roots expanding into the central territory. The brand, beloved for its fully customizable salads and wraps and house-made proprietary dressings, inked its latest multi-unit agreement with local entrepreneur, Stephanie Estes, in Waco and Temple.
As a Temple, Texas native, Estes brings a wealth of experience to her new venture, having spent 15 years in Los Angeles managing premium event spaces. She opened and operated two renowned venues—loftSEVEN Penthouse and OUE Skyspace—which played host to some of LA’s most high-profile events. Estes’ passion for health and wellness, combined with her entrepreneurial spirit, drew her to Salata, a brand she long admired. When evaluating her next career step, she saw franchising with a brand as the perfect opportunity to combine her business experience with her commitment to healthier lifestyles.
“As a longtime fan of the brand, I’ve always loved Salata’s unique, customizable approach to healthy eating,” said Estes. “When I moved back to Texas, I saw a real need for more health-conscious dining options in Temple and Waco, and Salata was the perfect fit to fill that gap. I’m excited to bring healthier dining options to these communities, especially in a way that allows guests to truly customize their meals. Salata’s commitment to fresh, wholesome ingredients aligns with my values, and I can’t wait to share that with the people in my hometown and beyond.”
Salata has grown into a nationally recognized brand, offering unique, fresh dining experiences across the United States. Despite its nationwide expansion, Salata remains deeply committed to its Texas roots, with a strong focus on continuing to grow throughout its home state. The brand’s dedication to providing healthy, accessible dining options resonates strongly in local communities, and Stephanie Estes’ new locations in Temple and Waco are a testament to Salata’s ongoing mission to expand its footprint while staying true to its Texas origins.
“Texas is the heart of Salata, and we’re proud to continue our growth in dynamic communities like Temple and Waco,” said Michele Maerz, President of Salata. “Stephanie embodies the passion, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to wellness that define our brand. We’re confident she will not only excel in bringing our fresh and nutritious dining options to these vibrant markets but also help us further our mission of making healthy living more accessible in our home state.”
Houston-based Salata offers built-to-order salads and wraps alongside soups, teas, and lemonades, empowering guests to create their ideal meal in an accessible way. With more than 50 fresh toppings available on the menu including fresh fruits, vegetables and proteins prepared in-house daily and house-made proprietary dressings, Salata has established a loyal following by providing customizable options for any lifestyle.
