Rubio's(R) Transitions to Zero Trans Fat Canola Oil

CARLSBAD, Calif., July 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill(R) announced today it will complete its conversion to using zero trans fat canola oil for cooking all menu products by mid-August in its more than 160 locations.

Rubio's spent the past year testing numerous zero trans fat oils. Zero trans fat canola oil was chosen because it enhanced the flavor and quality of Rubio's menu items cooked with it, most notably, their signature Fish Taco.

"Our goal in transitioning to zero trans fat oil was to continue delivering unsurpassed flavor and quality in all the foods we serve," said Larry Rusinko, vice president of marketing, Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill. "We look at this milestone as an improvement to our menu and a way to enhance our guests' experience by incorporating a more healthful cooking ingredient," he said.

The regional chain is the latest of several that have either switched to zero trans fat oils or are in the process of doing so. Scientists have blamed trans fats for clogging arteries and contributing to heart disease.

Rubio's website http://rubios.com provides nutritional and allergen information as well as a user-friendly nutritional calculator for checking nutritional specifications of menu items.

About Rubio's(R) Restaurants, Inc.

Bold, distinctive, Baja-inspired food is the hallmark of Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill. The first Rubio's(R) was opened in 1983 in the Mission Bay community of San Diego by Ralph Rubio and his father, Ray Rubio. Rubio's is credited with introducing fish tacos to Southern California and starting a phenomenon that has spread coast to coast. In addition to chargrilled marinated chicken, lean carne asada steak, and slow-roasted pork carnitas, Rubio's menu features seafood items including grilled Mahi Mahi and shrimp. Guacamole and a variety of salsas and proprietary sauces are made from scratch daily. The menu includes tacos, burritos, salads and bowls, quesadillas, HealthMex(R) offerings which are lower in fat and calories, and domestic and imported beer in most locations. Each restaurant design is reminiscent of the relaxed, warm and inviting atmosphere of Baja California, a coastal state of Mexico. Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, Rubio's operates, licenses or franchises more than 160 restaurants in California, Arizona, Colorado, Utah and Nevada. More information can be found at http://rubios.com. Linda Duke, +1-415-492-4534, duke@dukemarketing.com

Rubio's Restaurants, Inc.

CONTACT: Linda Duke, +1-415-492-4534, duke@dukemarketing.com

Web site: http://rubios.com/