Salsarita’s Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Salsarita’s Fresh Mexican Grill is a fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in authentic Mexican cuisine. Founded in 2000 by entrepreneurs Carlos Arana and Chris Davenport, the first location was established in Charlotte, North Carolina, where the company continues to maintain its headquarters.
Salsarita’s offers a diverse menu featuring customizable burritos, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, tortilla-crusted pizzas, and salads, all made with fresh ingredients and flavorful salsas. In 2000, Salsarita’s began franchising its concept, expanding primarily throughout the eastern United States.
The company has developed a flexible restaurant model, including traditional stand-alone units with drive-thru service, as well as locations in airports, transit centers, university campuses, and stadiums. This adaptability has contributed to its growth and appeal to a broad demographic.
As of 2015, Salsarita’s Fresh Mexican Grill had 72 locations. However, by 2023, the number of franchised units had decreased to 58, operating across 13 states. Despite this reduction, Salsarita’s remains committed to providing high-quality, made-to-order Mexican cuisine in a vibrant, family-friendly environment.
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Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Salsarita’s franchise? It costs on average between $371,000 – $856,000 to start a Salsarita’s franchised restaurant.
This includes expenses for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating costs. The exact amount can vary depending on factors such as the type of restaurant format selected, the location, and whether the franchisee opts to lease or purchase the property.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount (Low – High) |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $30,000 – $30,000 |
| Initial Rent | $0 – $8,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $6,000 – $8,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $250,000 – $427,000 |
| Signage | $16,000 – $40,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Décor | $57,000 – $92,000 |
| Electronics & Computer System | $5,800 – $15,000 |
| Restaurant Equipment | $90,000 – $137,000 |
| Grand Opening Marketing Fee | $15,000 – $15,000 |
| Pre-Opening Salaries | $6,000 – $10,000 |
| Initial Training Expenses | $4,500 – $10,500 |
| Start-Up Supplies | $1,000 – $1,200 |
| Insurance Deposit | $4,500 – $5,000 |
| Business Licenses | $500 – $3,000 |
| Utility Deposits | $500 – $2,000 |
| Legal & Accounting Fees | $1,600 – $3,400 |
| Architectural Fees | $8,000 – $14,000 |
| Additional Funds (for 1 to 3 months) | $10,000 – $35,000 |
| Total Initial Investment (before Tenant Improvement Allowance) | $506,400 – $856,100 |
| Tenant Improvement Allowance | -$135,000 – $0 |
| Total Initial Investment (after Tenant Improvement Allowance) | $371,400 – $856,100 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a Salsarita’s franchise? A Salsarita’s franchised restaurant makes on average $1,264,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
This compares to $1,200,000 yearly revenue for similar pizza franchises. Below are a few Salsarita’s competitors as a comparison:
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Salsarita’s Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Salsarita’s locations are there?
As of the latest data, Salsarita’s Fresh Mexican Grill operates 58 locations across 13 states.
What is the total investment required to open a Salsarita’s franchise?
The total investment required to open a Salsarita’s franchise ranges from $371,000 to $856,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Salsarita’s franchise?
The ongoing fees include a royalty fee of 5% of gross sales. Additionally, franchisees are required to contribute to the marketing and advertising fund with a fee of 2% of gross sales. These fees help support brand development, national advertising campaigns, and ongoing operational support for franchisees.
What are the financial requirements to become a Salsarita’s franchisee?
To become a Salsarita’s franchisee, candidates must meet certain financial requirements. The minimum net worth requirement is $500,000, and the liquid capital requirement is $200,000.
These financial requirements ensure that potential franchisees have the necessary resources to cover startup costs, including construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses.
How much can a Salsarita’s franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a Salsarita’s franchise are approximately $1.26 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $1.26 million yearly revenue can result in $189,000 EBITDA annually.
Who owns Salsarita’s?
Salsarita’s Fresh Mexican Grill is owned by Salsarita’s Franchise Group, LLC. The company operates and supports the franchise system, overseeing the brand’s growth and development.
Disclaimer
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