- Salsas started in 2004, began franchising in 2008 and is owned by Retail Zoo, the group behind Boost Juice.
- Inside Franchise Business reported investment of about $430,000 to $480,000 plus GST for a food court store and $575,000 to $650,000 plus GST for casual dining.
- Two very different formats sit under one brand, so the numbers to test depend on which one you are buying.
Salsas Fresh Mex Grill is an Australian Mexican quick service brand that started in 2004. It is owned by Retail Zoo, the holding company for Boost Juice, which gives franchisees access to the group’s systems and supplier relationships.
This guide sets out what has been reported about the Salsas franchise and what we would test before you buy a new or existing store.
Salsas Fresh Mex franchise at a glance
| Started | 2004 |
|---|---|
| Franchising since | 2008 |
| Owner | Retail Zoo (also owns Boost Juice) |
| Reported investment | Food court about $430,000 to $480,000 + GST; casual dining about $575,000 to $650,000 + GST (2019 reporting) |
| Reported term | 7 years |
| Reported training | Four weeks, at a reported cost of $14,000 + GST |
Figures come from the public sources listed at the end of this guide and can change. Treat them as a starting point and confirm current numbers in the franchise disclosure document.
How the Salsas Fresh Mex model works financially
Salsas runs two main formats. Food court stores depend on shopping centre foot traffic and lunch trade, and carry centre rent and marketing levies. Casual dining stores have larger fit-outs and seating, often trade into the evening and may sell alcohol, which brings different staffing and licensing costs.
In both formats, ingredients and wages are the largest controllable costs, with royalties and marketing contributions charged on sales. Delivery adds sales but also platform commissions.
The numbers to test before you buy a Salsas Fresh Mex franchise
- Which format the store is, and how its sales compare with similar stores in the network.
- Food cost as a percentage of sales.
- Wages, including evening and weekend rates for casual dining stores.
- Total occupancy cost, including centre marketing levies.
- Royalty, marketing and technology fees.
- Remaining lease and franchise term, and any refurbishment obligations.
Buying an existing Salsas Fresh Mex store
When buying an established Salsas store, ask for profit and loss statements tied to BAS, sales split by channel and the lease. For casual dining stores, check the liquor licence and any conditions attached. Confirm whether Retail Zoo has a right of first refusal on sale.
How Franchise Co. can help with a Salsas Fresh Mex purchase
We work with buyers and owners of franchise businesses across Australia. For a Salsas Fresh Mex store we can:
- Review the numbers before you sign. Our business due diligence starts from $2,000 + GST and tests sales by format and channel, food and labour costs, rent and fees.
- Set up the structure and the books. Entity choice, GST, payroll and a chart of accounts that separates dine-in, takeaway and delivery sales. See accounting and tax and bookkeeping, BAS and payroll.
- Check your franchise fees. We reconcile royalties and marketing contributions to the sales they’re calculated on. See royalties and franchise fees.
- Plan the next store. If a second site is on the cards, we model the cash flow and funding first. See multi-site reporting.
Salsas Fresh Mex franchise FAQs
How much does a Salsas franchise cost?
Inside Franchise Business reported investment of about $430,000 to $480,000 plus GST for a food court store and $575,000 to $650,000 plus GST for a casual dining store in 2019. Confirm current figures in the disclosure document.
Who owns Salsas?
Salsas Fresh Mex is owned by Retail Zoo, which also owns Boost Juice.
How long is a Salsas franchise term?
A seven year term has been reported. Your franchise agreement sets out the actual term and renewal options.
Can you review a Salsas store purchase?
Yes. We review sales, costs, fees and the lease as part of our business due diligence, which starts from $2,000 + GST.
Are there Salsas Fresh Mex franchises for sale?
Yes, existing Salsas Fresh Mex businesses come up for sale from time to time. Look for resale listings from the franchisor, business brokers and sites such as SEEK Business. Any purchase needs the franchisor’s consent, and you should receive the disclosure document and franchise agreement at least 14 days before the transfer is approved. Ask for three years of accounts, sales reports and the lease, and check how long is left on the franchise term.
Franchise Co. is an independent accounting practice. We aren’t affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to Salsas Fresh Mex or Retail Zoo. Salsas Fresh Mex is a trademark of its owner and is used here only to identify the brand this guide discusses.
Sources and further reading
- Inside Franchise Business: Salsas (2019)
- Top Franchise: food franchises in Australia
- ACCC: Franchise disclosure document
Sources checked November 2026. Franchise costs and fees change. Confirm current figures with the franchisor before acting.
This guide is general information for people considering a franchise in Australia. It doesn’t take your circumstances into account and isn’t personal tax, legal or financial advice.
Talk it through
Every franchise is different. Ask us how this applies to yours.
