New Restaurant Fills Vacant Fairfield Storefront

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfielders looking for a quick, fresh meal have a new option. Salsa Fresca Mexican Grill is holding its grand opening Tuesday in town.

The regional fast-casual eatery is replacing Qdoba Mexican Eats, which moved out of the space at 2222 Black Rock Turnpike in Trader Joe’s Plaza about two years ago, according to Mark Barnhart, Fairfield’s community and economic development director.

“This is our 13th opening, and we are all so excited to be part of the beautiful and historic town of Fairfield,” said Eric Friedman, chief operating officer at Salsa Fresca, in a news release.

The restaurant features an open kitchen concept, fresh ingredients, and a commitment to sustainability evident in practices such as recycling cooking oil into bio-diesel and using humanely raised beef and all-natural chicken, according to the news release.

Menu offerings include a new queso bowl, as well as vegan, keto and paleo bowls. The restaurant offers a variety of build-year-own options, such as burritos, tacos and salads, featuring six types of salsa. The eatery also sells a family taco kit for an at-home taco night. Customers can dine indoors at the restaurant or take advantage of curbside pickup or contactless delivery through the Salsa Fresca app.

Salsa Fresca’s Fairfield location is its fifth in Connecticut, with other restaurants in Westport, New Haven, Danbury and West Hartford. The business has plans to add another seven locations in 2022, plus 10 more across New England in the years that follow. The Fairfield opening brings about 25 jobs to town, according to the news release.

“It’s always great to welcome new businesses,” Barnhart said. “I’ve heard great things about the restaurant.”

Tuesday’s grand opening includes giveaways, double rewards points for members and a drawing to win free catering for 10 people.

To learn more about Salsa Fresca, visit www.salsafrescagrill.com.