Fast-casual chain Salsa Fresca Mexican Grill has hired Eric Friedman as chief operating officer.
Friedman will direct the brand’s growth initiatives, which include plans to double its number of units over the next year.
Friedman previously spent eight years at Chipotle Mexican Grill, where he most recently served as team director for New England.
“A big reason for Salsa Fresca’s long-term success, and why I believe it will continue to be sustainable, is because the culture is focused on empowering their people,” Friedman said in a statement. “A key factor in growth will be keeping that culture where it is.”
Salsa Fresca lists eight restaurants in New York and three in Connecticut on its website.
The concept started in 2008 and is focused on fresh ingredients with a menu of customizable burritos, bowls, tacos, salads, nachos and quesadillas.
“We thrived throughout the pandemic because we were able to adapt, and even with our lobbies shut down, we did a tremendous amount of volume, which was an amazing thing for us,” Marc Miles, Salsa Fresca co-owner said in a statement. “We’re thrilled to be able to bring on someone of Eric’s caliber.”
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