Chop Star: Joey Cioffi and The Sign that Launched the Salad House Franchise (S2:E9)

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About Joey Cioffi

Joey Cioffi is the founder and CEO of Salad House, a fast-casual health-focused franchise brand known for its fresh chopped salads, made to order proteins and its Create-Your-Own salad option. Coming from a family rooted in the restaurant industry, Joey expanded beyond the traditional deli business into fast-casual dining. Through perseverance, calculated risk-taking, and relentless drive, he transformed Salad House into a scalable franchise. His journey—from working in his family’s deli to overcoming financial hardships—demonstrates resilience and vision for national expansion.

Outside of work, Joey values family, faith, and fostering a team culture that promotes growth and opportunity. 

Reference Links: 

• Linkedin
• Green Ridge Wealth Planning
• BobbyMascia.com
• Instagram - Bobby Mascia
• Instagram - Business Unchained

Joey Cioffi’s Social Media

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• X

Salad House Social Media

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• LinkedIn

Episode Highlights:

Building a business from the ground up is never easy, and Joey Cioffi knows that better than most. In this episode of Business Unchained, we sit down with the founder of Salad House to talk about the realities of entrepreneurship, the complexities of running a family business, and the bold risks required to turn a vision into reality.

[05:27] “At 2am. . .my father would get the phone call, go downstairs, make the pie, get in his car, and deliver it. Oh my God, that was the mindset. He was just so hungry for success.”—Joey Cioffi

Success didn’t come overnight. Joey details the emotional, financial, and strategic challenges of scaling his brand—facing near financial collapse, learning when to pivot, and navigating the struggles of expansion.

[24:37] "I was failing my family and my kids, and I loved them with every ounce of my being. I wanted to set the bar of a lifestyle and providing, and never ever get below that."—Joey Cioffi

At its core, Joey’s story is a testament to resilience and adaptability—the two things every entrepreneur needs to succeed. His journey proves that big dreams require big risks, but with the right mindset and determination, anything is possible. Let’s dive in!

 In this episode:

• (00:01:32) - Joey's background and family business
• (00:05:08) - Transition to restaurant ownership
• (00:10:00) - Career at Merrill Lynch
• (00:15:05) - Inspiration for Salad House
• (00:20:38) - Mistakes in business decisions
• (00:25:26) - Hindsight on business decisions