Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina

Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina is a fast-casual Mexican restaurant brand known for its customizable burritos, tacos, bowls, and salads, all prepared with fresh ingredients and made to order. The company was founded in 2000 in Charlotte, North Carolina, starting as a single restaurant before expanding through franchising. By 2012, Salsarita’s had reached 50 locations, marking a significant early milestone in its growth.

As of November 2025, Salsarita’s operates approximately 80 restaurants across 18 states, with a strong presence in the Southeast and Midwest. Over the past five years, the brand has steadily increased its footprint by targeting suburban retail centers, college towns, and select urban areas. Salsarita’s has also embraced non-traditional venues such as airports and universities, adapting its format to suit a variety of real estate settings. The company offers both dine-in and off-premise options, including catering and online ordering, which has allowed it to stay relevant as consumer preferences have shifted.

Salsarita’s is actively seeking new franchise partners and locations, focusing on markets with robust daytime populations and above-average household incomes. Priority growth markets include North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Ohio, and Kentucky. The brand’s flexible approach to site selection and its willingness to consider both traditional and non-traditional locations have contributed to its consistent expansion. Backed by a leadership team with deep experience in restaurant operations and franchising, Salsarita’s has built a reputation for stability and adaptability, making it a credible and appealing tenant for a wide range of commercial real estate environments.