Change in store for local businesses
Salsarita's closes its doors
David Marshall
Issue date: 7/9/08 Section: News
One of Macomb's Mexican restaurants is no longer serving. Leaving many customers shocked, Salsarita's Fresh Cantina closed July 3.
Salsarita's is a restaurant franchise based out of Charlotte, N.C. that opened in Macomb in November of 2006. The franchise offers fast, fresh Mexican food in a casual atmosphere where customers watch the meal prepared right in front of their eyes.
Since the beginning of June, the owners of Macomb's chain have been discussing solutions to imminent financial troubles. While the restaurant was popular, the revenue was not enough to cover large expenses. The owners talked about cutting back hours and changing menu prices, but to the dismay of employees and customers, the owners informed General Manager Debra Charette on June 26 that the restaurant would be shutting down.
"The Macomb community and WIU have been good to us," said Charette, who was clearly saddened by the fate of the restaurant. Charette said she often spent more time at the restaurant than at home.
The closing of the restaurant could be only temporary. Charette said she will be given the property from the owners and may reopen a Mexican restaurant under a different name.
Austin Lambert, a regular at Salsarita's, declared the closing news "unbelievable." He added, "I was totally unaware of the money issues facing Salsarita's."
Salsarita's was popular for the great taste, festive setting and freshness. Everything from tortillas to steak were made fresh daily at the restaurant. Additionally, beer and margaritas on the menu made Salsarita's well liked.
"Salsarita's will be missed," said Brian Scott, a loyal Salsarita's customer. "Nothing replaces Salsarita's."
A new name, restaurant revamping and menu changes could accompany Charette's new Mexican restaurant.
Concepts of free chips and a dollar menu have been in the works to boost business and prevent the financial issues that doomed Salsarita's.
Salsarita's was located on West Jackson Street next to Aspen Court apartments.
Salsarita's is a restaurant franchise based out of Charlotte, N.C. that opened in Macomb in November of 2006. The franchise offers fast, fresh Mexican food in a casual atmosphere where customers watch the meal prepared right in front of their eyes.
Since the beginning of June, the owners of Macomb's chain have been discussing solutions to imminent financial troubles. While the restaurant was popular, the revenue was not enough to cover large expenses. The owners talked about cutting back hours and changing menu prices, but to the dismay of employees and customers, the owners informed General Manager Debra Charette on June 26 that the restaurant would be shutting down.
"The Macomb community and WIU have been good to us," said Charette, who was clearly saddened by the fate of the restaurant. Charette said she often spent more time at the restaurant than at home.
The closing of the restaurant could be only temporary. Charette said she will be given the property from the owners and may reopen a Mexican restaurant under a different name.
Austin Lambert, a regular at Salsarita's, declared the closing news "unbelievable." He added, "I was totally unaware of the money issues facing Salsarita's."
Salsarita's was popular for the great taste, festive setting and freshness. Everything from tortillas to steak were made fresh daily at the restaurant. Additionally, beer and margaritas on the menu made Salsarita's well liked.
"Salsarita's will be missed," said Brian Scott, a loyal Salsarita's customer. "Nothing replaces Salsarita's."
A new name, restaurant revamping and menu changes could accompany Charette's new Mexican restaurant.
Concepts of free chips and a dollar menu have been in the works to boost business and prevent the financial issues that doomed Salsarita's.
Salsarita's was located on West Jackson Street next to Aspen Court apartments.
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