Fresh Mex chain Salsarita's adds pizza to the menu

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Salsarita's Fresh Cantina has luanched its new line of tortilla-shell pizzas.

The 10-inch pizzas, which include a veggie, BBQ chicken, taco and white pizza, have accounted for 5 to 7 percent of in-store sales since its rollout during the first quarter of 2007.

The pizzas, which sell for $4.99, are a permanent addition to the restaurant chain's menu.

The tortilla pies are made-to-order and are baked in a specialized oven that uses high-speed forced convection heating, dual microwaves and infrared heating technology, which bakes pizzas in as little as 25 seconds.

Salsarita's Fresh Cantina will introduce two new variations to the pizza line in 2008 at select locations.