Salsarita’s: Redefining Fast-Casual Mexican Dining

Salsarita’s Fresh Mexican Grill has carved out a strong presence in the fast-casual dining world with its focus on authentic Mexican flavors. Launched in 2000 by founders Carlos Arana and Chris Davenport, the brand opened its first restaurant in Charlotte, North Carolina, where it still operates its headquarters today.

The chain is known for its wide-ranging menu that lets customers personalize burritos, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, tortilla-crusted pizzas, and salads, all prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients and zesty salsas. Salsarita’s began franchising in 2000, steadily growing its footprint across the eastern United States.

One of Salsarita’s key strengths is its flexible restaurant format, which includes traditional stand-alone stores with drive-thru service, as well as outlets in airports, transit hubs, college campuses, and sports venues. This versatility has broadened its reach and attracted a diverse customer base.

Although the brand operated 72 locations in 2015, by 2023, its franchised network had scaled to 58 locations in 13 states. Despite the shift, Salsarita’s remains dedicated to serving flavorful, made-to-order Mexican dishes in a lively, family-friendly setting.

Training

Salsarita’s provides a comprehensive set of training programs to support its franchisees:

1. Initial Training
   Before opening, the Operating Principal, Manager, and at least two other management-level employees must attend an initial training program lasting about 27 days. This covers Salsarita’s methods, policies, and procedures and is usually held at the headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina or other designated locations.
2. On-Site Training
   Approximately one week before opening and up to one week after, Salsarita’s provides on-site training at the restaurant. The Operating Principal and Manager are required to be present throughout. This hands-on support ensures the team is fully prepared to run the restaurant.
3. Additional or Refresher Training
   Salsarita’s periodically offers extra training either online through its Online University or at designated locations. This helps franchisees and their teams stay current on procedures and standards.
4. New Manager Training
   If a new Manager is appointed after opening, they must attend a training program similar to the initial one. This ensures consistent operational standards regardless of leadership changes.
5. Food Safety Certification
   Salsarita’s requires designated employees to complete the ServSafe food safety training and certification, administered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation or a similar program.

Territory Protection

Salsarita’s offers its franchisees a “Protected Territory,” typically defined as a one-mile radius around the franchise location, except in urban or non-traditional settings where it may be limited to the building itself. As long as the franchisee complies with the agreement, Salsarita’s will not allow other Salsarita’s Fresh Mexican Grill restaurants within this territory.

However, the franchise agreement does not give the franchisee any rights or first options to develop additional franchises in neighboring areas. While Salsarita’s grants this limited protection, it retains the right to operate or license others to operate outside the Protected Territory, including through non-traditional channels like airports or stadiums.

The franchisor can also sell products under its proprietary marks in the franchisee’s territory through supermarkets, mail, or online without compensating the franchisee. Additionally, although catering activities are allowed within a designated Catering Territory, these do not carry exclusive rights, and the franchisor can revise or limit them at its discretion.