Established
2000
Franchise Units
80
Minimum Investment
$700,000
Franchise Fee
$30,000
Total Investment Range
$1,100,000
Home Based
No
Description
Salsarita's Fresh Cantina is a well-established fast-casual Mexican restaurant franchise that has carved out a strong position in the competitive U.S. dining market. Known for its bold flavors, freshly prepared ingredients, and customizable menu, the brand appeals to today’s health-aware, convenience-driven consumers who want high-quality food without the wait or cost of full-service dining.
The concept blends speed with authenticity. Guests can build burritos, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, and salads using grilled proteins, house-made salsas, and fresh toppings prepared daily. This flexible menu structure allows Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina to serve lunch and dinner crowds efficiently while maintaining consistency across locations.
From busy urban corridors and suburban retail centers to college towns and mixed-use developments, the franchise has proven adaptable across a wide range of U.S. markets. Backed by streamlined operations, strong brand recognition, and an experienced franchisor support system, Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina offers investors an opportunity to enter the fast-growing fast-casual Mexican segment with a concept that balances operational simplicity with strong consumer demand.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina stands out as an attractive franchise investment due to its established systems, scalable model, and alignment with long-term food industry trends.
Key investment advantages include:
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Strong demand for fresh, customizable Mexican cuisine across the USA
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Fast-casual positioning with lower labor requirements than full-service restaurants
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Simple, assembly-line kitchen design that supports high throughput
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Menu flexibility that appeals to families, professionals, students, and health-conscious diners
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Proven brand with decades of operational experience
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Ability to grow through multi-unit and area development agreements
Background
Established Year: 2000
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Founders: Phil Friedman and Rick Farrar
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Industry Category: Fast-Casual Mexican Restaurant Franchise
Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina was founded in 2000 with a mission to deliver bold Mexican flavors using fresh ingredients in a quick-service format. The brand expanded steadily through franchising, focusing on operational efficiency and consistency while maintaining food quality.
Today, Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina operates 80+ active franchise units across multiple U.S. states, with a strong presence in the Southeast, Midwest, and expanding national footprint. The brand is owned by WOWorks, a multi-brand restaurant platform that also oversees other successful fast-casual and quick-service concepts. This ownership structure provides franchisees with access to seasoned leadership, shared resources, and long-term brand development strategies.
Support Training
Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina offers comprehensive end-to-end support designed to help franchisees launch confidently and scale efficiently.
Pre-Launch Support:
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Site selection guidance and lease negotiation assistance
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Restaurant design, layout planning, and build-out coordination
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Equipment specifications and vendor sourcing
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Pre-opening marketing and local launch planning
Training & Academic Support:
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In-depth initial training program covering operations, food preparation, safety, and customer service
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Hands-on kitchen and front-of-house training
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Business management, labor scheduling, and cost control education
Operational Support:
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Standardized operating procedures and recipe systems
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Ongoing field support and performance reviews
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Supply chain management and purchasing programs
Marketing & Brand Support:
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National and regional marketing campaigns
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Digital marketing, loyalty programs, and online ordering support
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Local store marketing strategies and promotional calendars
Ongoing Support:
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Continuous training updates and operational refreshers
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New product rollouts and menu innovation
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Access to franchisee network and best-practice sharing
Ideal Candidate
Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina is well-suited for entrepreneurs and investors who are motivated, operations-focused, and passionate about food service.
The ideal franchisee typically has:
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Strong business or management experience (restaurant experience preferred but not mandatory)
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Hands-on leadership style or ability to build and manage teams
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Financial capability to meet investment requirements
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Interest in multi-unit growth and long-term brand development
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Willingness to follow proven systems and brand standards
The franchise is suitable for both first-time operators with strong management skills and experienced multi-unit restaurant owners seeking portfolio expansion in the fast-casual segment.
Financial Detail
| Financial Component | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $700,000 – $1,100,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $250,000+ |
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 |
| Build-Out & Infrastructure | $350,000 – $600,000 |
| Equipment & Fixtures | $150,000 – $250,000 |
| Initial Marketing Budget | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Working Capital | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Royalty Fee | ~6% of gross sales |
| Marketing Fund Contribution | ~2% of gross sales |
