The CEO of Salsarita’s Inc. is looking for a few good franchisees.
The Charlotte-based Mexican restaurant chain has grown to 80 stores in 18 states and is working to open between 15 and 20 locations this year. In North Carolina, already home to 25 Salsarita’s, the company would like to add another 10 to 15 stores.
It may add three or four in the Charlotte market, where it has more than a dozen.
The company will be holding a franchising seminar at its store on Oak Lake Boulevard on March 4 to share information about expansion opportunities in the region and the state.
The challenge, says CEO Paul Mangiamele, is finding franchisees who can qualify for bank financing, which remains tight. The initial investment required for a Salsarita’s restaurant ranges between $296,700 and $577,100, including a $25,000 franchise fee.