CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Paul Mangiamele has been named as president and CEO of Salsarita's Fresh Cantina.
Mangiamele, 55, has an extensive background in the restaurant, hospitality and franchising industries, and is charged with directing Salsarita's marketing, operations and franchise development efforts. He also will lead the brand in fueling the company's aggressive expansion plans.
Founded in 2000 in Charlotte, N.C., by Bruce Willette, Salsarita's has 78 restaurants in 18 states and expects to end 2008 with about 100 locations.
Mangiamele's background includes serving as president and CEO of Dalt's Classic American Grill and Diner, chief development officer of Value Place Hotels and vice president of business development for Carlson Companies Inc., franchisor of Radisson Hotels, Country Inns and Suites and T.G.I. Friday's. He also was a franchisee in the Pizzeria Uno system, now known as Uno Restaurant Corp.
Mangiamele most recently spent four years with Austin, Texas based Sport Clips Inc., in various senior management capacities, including chief operating officer.
Willette, who previously served as Salsarita's president, will assume the role of chairman.
Salsarita's had 2007 sales of approximately $50 million and same-store sales growth for the first five months of 2008 is up 7.7 percent over last year. About 60 percent of Salsarita's franchisees own from one to five restaurants, 30 percent are area developers and the remaining 10 percent are area representatives.
