Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina is expanding its presence in Texas thanks to a new multiunit development agreement with Barton & Agha LLC for North Texas, Plano, and Allen. Comprised of franchise veterans Mohammad Agha, Cayce Barton, and Chris Barton, who have over 100 years of franchising experience combined between them, the group will open six Salsarita’s restaurants over the next five years to serve residents in and around Plano and Allen, Texas. The first restaurant will open in Plano by the end of 2014.

“We are very excited to bring Salsarita’s to North Texas,” Agha says. “Texans love Mexican cuisine and we wanted to share Salsarita’s excellent cuisine with even more people.”

Agha will serve as the operational manager for all six locations, while Cayce and Chris Barton will provide oversight. Agha has been involved in the franchised fast food and fast-casual industries for the last 32 years, while the Barton family has been working with franchises for 45 years. With all of this experience under his belt, Agha says ge knew as soon as he was first introduced to Salsarita’s that it was something he wanted to pursue.

“I loved the concept overall, the freshness and uniqueness of the food, the atmosphere of the restaurants. We traveled to Charlotte and met with Salsarita’s CEO, Phil Friedman, who showed us one of their corporate locations, and we were impressed by everything,” he says.

The business partners signed their multiunit deal in December 2013 and will have the first restaurant open by the end of the year, though they have not yet set a firm opening date.

“Salsarita’s fulfills a niche with its product and service,” Agha says. “I think it is a big contender to do very well here. I look forward to introducing the concept to the Plano community and beyond.”