Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill(R) To Open New Restaurant In Santa Ana July 15

CARLSBAD, Calif., July 6, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill will open its third location in the City of Santa Ana Thursday, July 15, in the Seventeenth Street Shopping Center, 2220 E. 17 ^th Street in Santa Ana. The San Diego-based chain is introducing a new, more upscale design at its Santa Ana restaurant, featuring a rich sensory experience of aromas, exhibition cooking, music and decorative patterns that compliment the complex flavors of Rubio's food.

To celebrate the grand opening, Rubio's will host a fundraising event on Wednesday, July 14 ^th, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., to benefit "Grants Wishes".  The Orange County based non-profit grants wishes to children that are fighting their SECOND battle with cancer.  For a donation of $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under, the public can enjoy delicious Beach Mex ^® cuisine, and Rubio's will donate 100 percent of the proceeds to the local charity.

At 10 a.m. Thursday, July 15 ^th, the restaurant's doors will open to Rubio's fans who crave the flavor of Baja-inspired food in the relaxed yet festive atmosphere of coastal Mexico.  Headlining the menu will be Rubio's World Famous Fish Tacos ^®, Grilled Gourmet Tacos ^SM, the Big Burrito Especial ^SM with chargrilled chicken or steak, freshly-made salads and Rubio's proprietary HealthMex ^® line of tacos and burritos, which are under 700 calories, less than 30% of which come from fat. "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." Guests can easily find the new Rubio's in the 17 ^th Street Shopping Center in Santa Ana near the crossing of E. 17 ^th Street and N. Tustin Ave.  The popular San Diego chain is introducing a new restaurant design in Santa Ana that includes eco-friendly features such as countertops and panels made of a recycled material called marmoleum, an open kitchen, flex seating to accommodate large groups and families, and LED lighting that uses less energy.  Rubio's is also introducing digital menu boards to better showcase the food and provide more flexibility to accommodate seasonal offerings.  A new floor design allows guests to intuitively move from the front door to the ordering area, to the salsa bar, and eventually into the dining room where a relaxed, beach and water-centric atmosphere of the Baja coast awaits.

"We're excited to introduce this new restaurant design to the City of Santa Ana," said Rubio.  "We're anxious to see how the community responds to our latest effort to bring together the unforgettable flavors, sights and sounds of the Baja coast for a quick but relaxed dining experience."