Pacific Northwest-based fast-casual brand EVERGREENs has named Neil Harfert as its new Chief Executive Officer, positioning the company for an accelerated expansion strategy in the coming years. Harfert brings over two decades of leadership experience scaling high-growth restaurant brands across the U.S. to the salad-focused chain.
Harfter joins EVERGREENs from Mountain West Brands in Utah, where he most recently served as CEO. Over his career, he has held senior management and operational roles with several well-known restaurant concepts, including Qdoba Mexican Eats, MOD Pizza, Modern Market Eatery, and as President of R&R BBQ, guiding brands through phases of rapid growth and operational scaling.
During his time at Qdoba, he was instrumental in expanding the brand from just 7 restaurants to more than 330 locations. At MOD Pizza, Harfert contributed to growth from around 25 units to over 300 nationwide, highlighting his track record in scaling fast-casual concepts efficiently and strategically.
Alongside his corporate experience, Harfert also co-founded Roonies Ice Cream, a boutique food brand, giving him additional insight into brand development and food production.
Founded in the Pacific Northwest, EVERGREENs is known for its chef-crafted salads, warm bowls, wraps, and fresh-forward menu innovation, aligning with increasing consumer demand for balanced and customizable dining options.
In announcing his appointment, Harfert said he was “energized by the opportunity ahead,” emphasizing his admiration for the brand’s commitment to fresh, craveable food and community engagement.
