Barberitos Southwestern Grille and Cantina proudly announces that franchise contracts have been secured for 15 upcoming locations, with multiple other locations on the horizon.

Barberitos has 27 restaurants in five states, with 11 more that will be located in Tennessee, Georgia, North and South Carolina, and Florida. Barberitos’ recent growth spurt will push them to the 41 store mark in 2012 for the Athens, Georgia-based franchise.

CEO and founder Downing Barber opened the first Barberitos in downtown Athens in 2000.

“I opened Barberitos out of passion, a love for cooking, and fulfilling a life-long dream,” Barber says. “I would have never thought that so many people could love our food. I am truly thankful to everyone who makes it happen.”

Despite the tough economy, Barberitos has seen a 15.8 percent increase in systemwide sales from 2010 to 2011. Same store sales are up by a 10.17 percent growth of individual store sales over the past three years. From 2009 to 2010, system-wide sales grew by 14.8 percent.

Barber believes fresh food, a clean restaurant, and great customer service are the keys to success for Barberitos. As sales increase, requests for franchise consideration seem to increase also. 

“We are truly excited about what is going on inside Barberitos right now," Barber says. "It is amazing at the quality and number of potential business partners that inquire about our system. We are having a good run through this tough economy. As Barberitos grows, we become that much more passionate about our food and focus that much harder on improving our customers’ experience.”