The Johnson Group Will Now Support The Chain’s Marketing Efforts
Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina, the popular fast-casual Mexican restaurant chain known for its depth of authentically inspired menu choices, proudly announces it has signed on The Johnson Group of Chattanooga, TN. to represent the growing chain and implement aggressive marketing programs for their 80 locations. The Charlotte based franchised chain will have opened 8 new units in 2016, with 10 more in different development stages.
The Johnson Group is a full service traditional, digital and alternative media ad agency specializing in promoting ambitious brands successfully. Since their founding in Chattanooga, TN, in 1996 brands such as Cricket Wireless, Sunbelt Granola Bars, Krystal, Dean Food dairies and US Xpress transportation have benefited from unique ideas that have made them the South’s most awarded agency.
“We couldn’t be happier to be teaming up with The Johnson Group,” said Salsarita’s CEO Phil Friedman. The Johnson Group was the top agency in a 3-agency evaluation process to secure the Salsarita’s account.
Friedman is a restaurant growth specialist revered by the industry. His turnaround and sale of Jackson, MS based McAlister’s Deli 6 years ago was just his latest success story. Now he’s building Salsarita’s into the same sort of brand leader in its category.
“We have great food, terrific franchisees and more of them joining our family,” continued Friedman. “It’s the right time to step up our marketing initiatives and treat our guests and fans to some fun events and participative programs.”
One such example is the initiation of an alliance with a program started by popular local football favorite Shaq Thompson.
Linebacker Shaq Thompson, through the Dreambuilders Foundation, is spearheading “Shaq Thompson’s Sacks for Kids,” an effort to raise funds and awareness for the local Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs. This season, when Shaq and his teammates record a sack, pledges turn into dollars that will directly benefit youth in the community at the eight area Boys & Girls Clubs.
Salsarita’s is the exclusive sponsor and recently presented the foundation with a check for $15,000.00. Learn more about this charity at (www.pledgeit.org/shaq-thompson).
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 reputation, leadership and the new look and plans for the future of the brand.
“Salsarita’s is now in the perfect position to support both company and franchisee expansion properly for years to come,” 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 and will continue on this growth path in 2017.
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 80 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.
