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Top 100: Salsarita's Fresh Cantina No. 96

March 27, 2011

96. Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina

Charlotte, N.C. / No. of units: 81

This fresh-Mex concept did not quite meet its early goal of 200 units by 2008 (that’s been pushed back to 2014) but still qualifies as one of the nation’s fastest growing fresh-Mex chains. In 2010, the company expanded into two new markets — suburban Kansas City and Tyler, Texas — and opened its first international location in Puerto Rico. Salsarita’s also has worked to find a niche for itself in nontraditional venues, which now constitute 20 percent of the system. In 2010, the chain added three university campus locations and a unit at Lowe’s Home Improvement corporate headquarters.