NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson Is Now an Equity Owner of a Salad Chain: ‘I’ve Been a Fan for a Long Time’
Jalen Brunson secures equity ownership in Just Salad as brand eyes expansion with new franchise partnerships.
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Jalen Brunson, the NBA Finals MVP, has taken an equity stake in Just Salad, a fast-casual salad chain with over 125 locations in seven states. This marks the brand's first-ever athlete partnership as Just Salad plans to add 30 new locations in the upcoming year following 20 openings in 2025.
Why It Matters
This investment may enhance brand visibility and attract new franchisees, as celebrity involvement can improve customer engagement and drive expansion efforts.
Just Salad has welcomed NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson as its first-ever athlete equity partner. Brunson, a New York Knicks guard, has invested in the fast-casual salad chain known for its healthy offerings. With over 125 locations across seven states, Just Salad is experiencing significant growth, having opened 20 new restaurants in 2025 and aiming for an additional 30 openings in the coming year.
This partnership not only marks Brunson’s first investment in the restaurant industry but also highlights his long-standing affinity for the brand. He emphasized the importance of his involvement, stating, “When I started thinking about owning equity in a restaurant brand, I knew I wanted it to be more than just putting my name on something.” As part of his role, Brunson will collaborate with Just Salad’s culinary and leadership teams, helping to enhance operations with what the brand describes as a “championship mindset.”
Nick Kenner, the founder of Just Salad, expressed enthusiasm about Brunson joining the brand, stating, “There is no greater privilege than welcoming Jalen Brunson into the Just Salad family.” The integration of a high-profile athlete like Brunson into their structure may strengthen the brand's visibility and community ties, particularly in New York where it originated.
Brunson's entry, alongside the brand's aggressive expansion plans, suggests a healthy trajectory for Just Salad’s growth. The capacity to continue this momentum will depend on the successful execution of new openings and the operational enhancements brought by Brunson's involvement. Franchise investors should monitor Just Salad’s ability to sustain this pace amid its ambitious growth targets for the year ahead.
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