Charlotte, N.C. – A new line of tortilla-shell pizzas are turning a profit for Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina.

The 10-inch pizzas, which include a veggie, BBQ chicken, taco and white pizza, already account for five to seven percent of in-store sales since its rollout during the first quarter of 2007.

The pizzas, which sell for $4.99, are a permanent addition to the Fresh-Mexican restaurant chain’s menu.

The tortilla pies are made-to-order in a specialized oven that uses high-speed forced convection heating, dual microwaves and infrared heating technology which bakes pizzas in as little as 25 seconds.

“We have seen kids especially excited about having this menu item at our stores,” said Charles Ratterree, executive vice president of Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina. “Families are a big part of Salsarita’s success, and we want to make sure we are keeping them satisfied.”

Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina will introduce two new variations to the pizza line in 2008 at select locations.

Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina is a Charlotte, N.C. based fast-casual restaurant chain where customers can create a delicious made-to-order meal from a flavorful Fresh-Mexican menu that offers burritos, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, enchiladas and salads with a broad range of meats, fresh vegetables and homemade salsas.

Founded in 2000, Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina has more than 70 units spanning 20 states.

Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina units range from 2,000 to 2,700 square-feet. Each unit provides guests with a unique, contemporary dining experience, and several locations also offer a Quick Cantina Bar – a sushi-style taco bar that serves margaritas, daiquiris and piña coladas, as well as a variety of wines and chilled beers.

Core operating hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. For more information about franchising opportunities, visit www.salsaritas.com.