Two well-known national restaurant industry trade publications recently recognized Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill for innovative operational and marketing efforts. FastCasual.com honored Rubios in the Top 100 2009 Movers & Shakers edition and Restaurant Business magazine included Rubios in its round-up of 50 Great Ideas in 2009.
Recognized as Number Five on the Top 100 Movers & Shakers List for 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.
“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 TacosSM.”
“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 TacosSM.”
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.
“We put a lot of research and effort into improving our brand,” said Rubio. “We think that these recent honors in the restaurant industry trades certainly validate that. And while our satisfied guests will always remain the driving force in our success, we appreciate these awards and hope they will introduce new guests to our Beach Mex® lifestyle and fresh Baja flavors.”
Logos, product and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.