Knicks point guard and 2026 Finals MVP Jalen Brunson is going from running the offense to calling plays in the salad line. Brunson has taken an equity stake in Just Salad, the New York born fast casual salad chain. It is his first restaurant investment and the company’s first athlete partnership. Just Salad says Brunson will work directly with its culinary and leadership teams and make in store appearances as part of the collaboration.
Brunson's Role And The Deal
In a press release via GlobeNewswire, Just Salad described the partnership as long term and said Brunson will be “embedded in the business.” Brunson said, “I’ve been a fan for a long time,” and the company says he will spend time in restaurants and work closely with the brand’s culinary and leadership teams. Founder and CEO Nick Kenner praised Brunson’s discipline and said the guard will be woven into Just Salad’s future growth plans.
Growth Plans And Footprint
Just Salad operates more than 125 locations across seven states, opened about 20 restaurants in 2025, and is targeting roughly 30 new storefronts in 2026, according to Entrepreneur. The brand has leaned on chef designed menus and a grab and go footprint to speed up expansion beyond its New York base.
Local Roots And Sustainability
Founded in New York in 2006 and still headquartered in the city, Just Salad promotes itself as a Certified B Corporation and runs a large reusable bowl program, per Just Salad. Local reporting has tracked the chain’s recent openings outside Manhattan, including a D.C. push, as covered by Just Salad steps up D.C. push.
What This Could Mean
Industry outlets note that athlete ownership can raise a brand’s profile and marketing reach, a potential boost for a chain chasing new markets, as Nation's Restaurant News reported. For Brunson, the deal lines up with his off court work. His Second Round Foundation focuses on education, sports and food access in New York and has supported school culinary programs in the city.
Next Steps
Just Salad included a media contact in its announcement and said fans should expect Brunson to visit restaurants and take part in community events as the partnership rolls out, per the company release via GlobeNewswire. The chain did not disclose financial terms of Brunson’s investment.
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