Clark, who worked with Freidman at McAlister’s for over 12 years before partnering with Salsarita’s, said Friedman’s business expertise combined with the strong market potential of Salsarita’s in the fast-casual sector made the development agreement a winning opportunity.

 

“As an experienced franchise developer, I was drawn to Salsarita’s not only because of my strong working relationship with Phil, but also because of the franchise’s tremendous future potential,” Clark says. “Salsarita’s is a category leader that is poised for strong growth nationwide, and I am eager to help the brand grow in my home market of Mississippi and beyond.”

 

According to the terms of the development agreement, Clark will open a total of 10 locations in Mississippi over the next five years with the first two restaurants expected to open in 2013. Although Salsarita’s has not yet secured any definite sites, Clark is focusing on northern Mississippi including Tupelo, Oxford, and the Olive Branch/Southaven area. Moving forward, Clark said he also plans to expand across central and southern Mississippi.

 

“I’m thrilled to bring J.C. onboard as the first of many strong future franchise developers throughout the U.S.,” says Phil Friedman, CEO of Salsarita’s. “J.C. has proven success as a franchise developer, and we are confident that his expertise will greatly enhance Salsarita’s national expansion.”

 

Founded in 2000 in Charlotte, North Carolina, Salsarita’s offers Mexican favorites such as signature Casaritos, Mexican pizza-inspired Cantizzas, and an assortment of tacos, quesadillas, and nachos made fresh to order with an extensive selection of proteins, toppings, and fillings. The company has more than 80 franchised locations in 19 states. Two restaurants are company-owned. Salsarita’s expects to have at least two to three new franchise agreements signed before the end of 2012, with long-range projections calling for over 300 locations nationwide over the next several years.