Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill® Earns Awards For Excellence In Fast Casual Dining And Social Media Campaign

Two well-known national restaurant industry trade publications recently recognized Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill for innovative operational and marketing efforts. FastCasual.com honored Rubio’s in the Top 100 2009 Movers & Shakers edition and Restaurant Business magazine included Rubio’s in its round-up of 50 Great Ideas in 2009.

While many restaurants have attempted to flood the growing fast casual dining segment, FastCasual.com regarded Rubio’s as one of its Top 100 fast casual restaurants in 2009 because it epitomizes the genre by creating a unique value and quality experience, offering an interior that “wows” the guest, and serves gourmet-level food in a comfortable and relaxed environment. Restaurant Business magazine’s 50 Great Ideas recognizes companies whose new products, innovations, and ideas set them apart from their competition. In 2009 Rubio’s launched a summertime Facebook and Twitter photo-sharing campaign which encouraged fans to upload their photos of all-American moments. In return, Rubio’s donated 25 cents per photo to Share Our Strength – a non-profit that fights childhood hunger. This wildly successful promotion doubled the number of social network followers and Rubio’s contributed $25,000 to the charity.

“When I opened my first restaurant in San Diego 27 years ago, people traveled from miles away to savor one of our World Famous Fish Tacos ^®,” said chairman and co-founder Ralph Rubio. “Since then, our reputation for distinct flavors and unique products has quickly spread, and our following of loyal fans continues to grow as we introduce new menu items such as our Grilled Gourmet Tacos ^SM.”

The popular San Diego-based chain is a leader in the fast casual dining restaurant arena with its ongoing store design improvements that include eco-friendly features such as tabletops made from the sustainable material sorgum grass, digital menu boards, an open kitchen, flex seating to accommodate large groups and families, and LED lighting that uses less energy.