Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina, the popular fast-casual Mexican restaurant chain known for its depth of authentically inspired menu choices, added to its presence in the Lone Star State in the first quarter of 2016 while strengthening its hold in its home state as the brand continues to expand throughout the U.S. in 2016.
The franchised chain opened two new units in the first quarter: one in Lewisville, Texas, bringing the current total to three Salsarita’s in Texas and another in Asheville, N.C. The franchisor is headquartered in Charlotte.
Building on the momentum of its successful new prototype, Salsarita’s is continuing to add to its new restaurant brick and mortar image that offers a cleaner and more modern look. In 2016, Salsarita’s will also be focusing on its fresh food made-to-order initiative, new menu design and limited-time offerings.
On the growth side, focus will continue to be on signing new multi-unit franchisees, many of whom are already in the company pipeline or have expressed interest in partnering with Salsarita’s due to CEO Phil Friedman’s leadership and the new look and plans for the future of the brand. Salsarita’s and CEO Phil Friedman will be present and exhibiting at the upcoming Multi-Unit Conference hosted by Franchise Update Media Group at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas April 26th-29th.
Ten new restaurants are planned for 2016 and in different stages of development. Restaurants in Fort Worth, Texas and Madison, Ala., are scheduled to open this quarter, while locations in West Columbia, S.C., Plano, Texas, Tupelo, Miss., Powell, Tenn., and Tyler, Texas are slated to open in the third quarter. At least an additional five locations are planned as well for 2016. The West Columbia unit is a corporate location, one of two new corporate units expected to open in 2016, bringing the total of corporate units in operation to 13. This, said Friedman, represents a high water mark for the restaurant chain since his acquisition in 2011 and is a pivotal step in the continued evolution of the brand that turns 16 years old this year.
“Salsarita’s is now in the perfect position to support both company and franchisee expansion properly for years to come. Franchisee interest throughout 2015 and so far this year is proof enough of that,” said Friedman. “The confidence franchisees have expressed in us is tremendously telling of where Salsarita’s stands in the industry as an opportunity for sustained growth.”
Salsarita’s restaurants can be found at universities, airports, corporate headquarters and stand-alone locations across the country. In 2014, Salsarita’s introduced its new prototype layout at its Indian Land, S.C. location and in a new franchise opening in South Haven, MS.
Founded in Charlotte, N.C. in 2000, Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina offers Mexican favorites such as five flavorful house-made salsas, custom burritos, tacos, nachos and salads made fresh to order with an extensive selection of proteins, toppings and fillings. Salsarita’s was acquired by franchise industry veteran Phil Friedman in 2011 and operates more than 70 locations in 18 states, including 11 that are company-owned. For more information, visit www.salsaritas.com, like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/salsaritas and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @salsaritas.
