South Carolina will soon have another healthy dining option, with a salad franchise expanding to the state.
Salata Salad Kitchen has signed a three-unit agreement to officially enter the market, bringing restaurants to Myrtle Beach and Greenville.
The team behind the upcoming locations is made up of husband-and-wife duo Brian and Keri Leachman. With more than 30 years in the retail automotive industry, the pair entered the franchise business in 2018 out of a desire to bring more nutritious quick-serve options to the market. They currently have seven Smoothie King locations, with three more in development.
Now, they are adding Salata Salad Kitchen to their portfolio.
“We wanted to expand into something that had more food options, but it’s difficult to find anything that’s fairly quick service that’s good for you,” Keri Leachman told What Now Charleston. “That’s how we found Salata. We absolutely love the product.”
Based in Houston, Salata offers built-to-order salads and wraps, as well as soups, teas and lemonades. The menu includes more than 50 toppings, like fresh fruits, vegetables and proteins prepared in-house daily, and house-made dressings that you can even combine. (Keri likes the chipotle ranch, while Brian recommends the jalapeño avocado.)
“One of the other cool things I enjoy about the dressings is you can mix them,” Brian said. “It’s a really unique thing. They taste so incredible no matter what you add to the salads.”
That customizability is a large factor in what drew them to the brand, and what makes the concept unique.
“Salata offers a completely customizable dining experience that empowers our guests to create meals that fit their personality and lifestyle,” Keri said.
Founded in 2005, Salata now has more than 80 locations across five states.
“Entering the South Carolina market aligns perfectly with our goals of national expansion,” Salata President Michele Maerz said in a statement. “The Leachmans’ passion for offering nutritious options to South Carolina residents goes hand in hand with our mission to promote healthier eating nationwide. The Leachmans are compassionate, caring, and driven, with a deep involvement in their community and a strong commitment to giving back. This partnership is a wonderful step forward, as accomplished entrepreneurs like the Leachmans are key to our brand’s growth.”
The Leachmans are looking for locations now and hope to have at least the first two open in fall 2025.
“We’re excited about serving high-quality, nutritious meals without sacrificing flavor and convenience, which is what today’s busy guests are looking for,” Keri said.
