Twelve Locations Already Scheduled for 2015 Opening
Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina, the popular fast-casual Mexican restaurant chain known for its depth of authentically inspired menu choices made to order with fresh ingredients, is looking to outpace results from its successful 2014 as the brand expands throughout the U.S.
In a year that saw restaurant industry veteran Phil Friedman take greater control of daily operations as CEO, 2014 proved to be a pivotal year of success for both company and franchise growth that will bear fruit in 2015 and beyond. Four new multi-unit franchise development deals were signed in 2014, with planned openings for Lewisville, Texas, Savannah, Ga., Alpharetta, Ga. and Asheville, N.C. in 2015. An additional 22 locations will open in and around these same markets associated with these development agreements.
Additionally, building on the momentum of opening its successful new prototype, three new franchise agreements with present franchisees were signed in 2014, leading to the openings at Raleigh-Durham International Airport, and in Longview, Texas. The third agreement signed in 2014 will result in the opening of a location in High Point, N.C in June of this year. In a strategic move, Salsarita’s finalized a franchise agreement with Premium Retail Food Court specialist, Villa Enterprises, of Morristown, NJ resulting in them taking over operations of Salsarita’s at Concord Mills Mall-Concord in Concord, N.C. by early June of this year.
In sum, including the two planned company restaurants, twelve new Salsarita’s restaurants are scheduled to be opened in 2015. This, said Friedman, represents a high water mark for the restaurant chain since his acquisition in 2011 and a pivotal step in the continued evolution of the brand that turns 15 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 2014 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 debuted its new prototype the restaurant’s layout at its Indian Land, S.C. location and in a new franchise opening in South Haven, MS. The third location utilizing this design just recently opened in Starkville, Mississippi.
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 19 states, including eight 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.
