Salsarita's Franchise Reopens

By: TriCities Staff | TriCities.com
Published: March 25, 2009

BRISTOL, Va. – Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina reopened Monday under new owner Mike Kern, who said he is focusing on service and

hospitality.
Kern, 51, of Greenville, S.C., said the “Fresh-Mex” restaurant at 200 Linden Square had been on his radar for some time.
“You can get in and out quickly and get a great meal for $6 to $7,” he said Tuesday. “I’ve noticed people are moving away

from the more expensive, white-tablecloth restaurants during this economic downturn and they’re looking to spend less for

a good meal. When a business like this opens, it means jobs – 22 to be exact – and it’s a real bright spot.”
Kern bought into the Salsarita’s franchise about three weeks ago and said spent that time repainting and training

employees, of which 16-18 worked at the restaurant under the former owner.
“Guest service and hospitality – that’s been a mantra for me,” he said.
The restaurant is a mix of fast food and quality dining, with customers able to view the fresh ingredients that go into

their meals. They also offer take-out and catering services.
In 2000, BRV Inc., a Charlotte, N.C.-based company, created Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina, where customers can create

made-to-order meals from a Mexican menu that offers burritos, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, tortilla-crust pizzas and taco

salads.
Salsarita’s ended 2008 with 78 restaurants in 18 states and expects to grow to 200 restaurants by 2012, according to a

company news statement.
Kerns hopes to develop between six and 10 more restaurants throughout Virginia, Tennessee and the Carolinas over the next

five years.
Kerns brings a lot of experience to the table, so to speak. After serving as a marketing executive for KFC and Long John

Silver’s, the latter of which he served as the worldwide chief marketing officer for more than 20 years, Kern decided the

time was right to branch out on his own.
In 1999, he acquired seven KFC restaurants. Today, he has 20 Long John Silver’s and 10 A&W All American Food restaurants

throughout the Carolinas and Tennessee. His purchase of Salsarita’s in Bristol is his first foray into Virginia.
“Mike represents the ideal profile of a multi-unit developer that forms the foundation of Salsarita’s brand strength and

we are proud to have Mike and his team on board,” Salsarita’s President and CEO Paul Mangiamele said in a recent written

statement.
ggray@bristolnews.com | (276) 645-2512