A Proven Leader Reclaims the Top Role (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Golden, Colorado – Salad Collective appointed veteran executive John Montgomery as its new CEO, marking a significant leadership shift for the parent company of MAD Greens. The move coincides with the fast-casual chain’s completion of an extensive menu overhaul that reimagined about 80 percent of its offerings.[1][2] Montgomery, who previously served as president of MAD Greens, steps in at a pivotal moment as the brand emphasizes craveable flavors and premium ingredients to stand out in the crowded better-for-you dining space.
A Proven Leader Reclaims the Top Role
Montgomery joined MAD Greens in 2008, four years after the chain’s founding, and rose to president from 2016 to 2022. He most recently held positions as president and chief financial officer at Illegal Pete’s, where he honed skills in financial strategy and multi-unit operations.[2] He succeeds Darden Coors, who transitioned to chairman of the board while staying involved in the company’s long-term vision and growth initiatives.
The Coors family acquired MAD Greens in 2013 and later formed Salad Collective through a merger with Snappy Salads. Today, the Golden-based company oversees about 60 locations across Colorado, Texas, and Arizona, including 23 company-owned MAD Greens restaurants and additional licensed sites.[1]
80 Percent Menu Transformation Takes Center Stage
MAD Greens completed its menu revamp in March 2026 in partnership with culinary consulting firm The Culinary Edge. The project introduced around 20 new dishes across salads, warm bowls, wraps, and sides, guided by a “value through flavor” approach.[2] This strategy prioritizes elevated, globally inspired profiles, scratch-made elements, and full customization to deliver memorable meals.
Jeff DiSanto, the brand’s director of culinary, explained the focus: “We took a hard look at where the category is going and built a menu that delivers more flavor, more variety and a more memorable experience, while still staying grounded in real, nutritious ingredients that guests can fully customize.”[2] The changes aim to create items guests crave and cannot easily replicate at home.
New Dishes Spotlight Premium Proteins and Bold Flavors
The refreshed lineup features standout salads like the Cowboy Cookout Steak Salad with fire-grilled steak tenderloin, avocado, corn, black beans, crispy onions, smoky chipotle ranch, and BBQ drizzle. Other highlights include the Chili Lime Chop Salad, packed with lemon herb-roasted shrimp, cotija cheese, avocado, pickled red onions, and cilantro chili lime dressing.
Warm bowls build on a U.S.-grown five-grain wild rice blend. The Heart & Seoul Steak Bowl combines grilled tenderloin, charred broccoli, rainbow slaw, edamame, cucumbers, wontons, and sesame ginger dressing with gochujang drizzle. Wraps such as the Spicy Street Corn Wrap and Steak Fajita Wrap join sides like Creamy Whipped Feta Dip and Loaded Mediterranean Hummus.
- Salads: Orchard Salad (Fuji apples, candied pecans, cranberries, goat cheese, honey balsamic); elevated Caesar Crunch.
- Bowls: MADiterranean Bowl (herb-grilled chicken, whipped feta, pita chips, tomatoes, cucumbers); Sriracha Sesame Tofu Bowl.
- Wraps: Picnic Pesto Wrap (mozzarella pearls, basil pesto); Annie’s Chicken Club Wrap.
- Sides: Green Goddess Pasta Salad; Sriracha Hummus.
Many new items support the chain’s catering platform, broadening appeal for groups and events.[3]
Vision for Growth and Guest Loyalty
Montgomery emphasized the competitive landscape. “The better-for-you category is crowded and competing on health claims alone isn’t a strategy anymore,” he said. “Guests want to be wowed with new flavors, premium ingredients, and food that gives them a reason to come back tomorrow.”[1]
Coors praised the transition: “John understands this brand at its core, and the investment we’re making in this menu reflects exactly the kind of bold, values-driven thinking that will position MAD Greens for the next decade.” Plans include accelerating expansion, including nontraditional locations in 2026 and beyond.
Key Takeaways
- John Montgomery brings deep MAD Greens experience back as Salad Collective CEO.
- 80% menu overhaul introduces 20 craveable, premium dishes via The Culinary Edge partnership.
- Focus on flavor, customization, and growth positions the brand for stronger guest loyalty.
This leadership return and menu evolution signal MAD Greens’ commitment to innovation in fast-casual dining. As the chain pushes forward, it aims to redefine healthy eating with bold tastes that keep customers returning. What changes would you make to your favorite salad spot? Tell us in the comments.
