Pollo Tropical® Brings Caribbean Favorite To Austin

DALLAS, June 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Two years after opening its first Texas location, Pollo Tropical, the fast casual restaurant that has gained a cult-like following for its citrus-marinated, flame-grilled chicken and authentic island-inspired sauces and sides, has begun its expansion into the Austin area and will have five local restaurants by early 2017.

The company's first area restaurant opened in Kyle in May, and its first Austin-proper location opens July 22 on the corner of Riverside Drive and Lamar Boulevard in Central Austin.

"Pollo Tropical's expansion into Texas has been gaining momentum over the past two years, and our growth into Austin is a milestone for the brand," said Pollo Tropical Chief Operating Officer Danny Meisenheimer. "Austin is a great food town with a wealth of culinary exploration, and we think that residents will embrace our unique flavors that represent a melting pot of the Caribbean islands."

The new restaurants will feature Pollo Tropical's signature Caribbean-style design that incorporates bright island colors and details to help guests soak up the feel of a shoreside retreat while enjoying handmade, island-inspired cuisine.

• Kyle: opened May 21 at 20471 S. Interstate Highway 35
• Central Austin: opens July 22 at 211 S. Lamar Blvd.
• Lakeway: opens early 2017 at 620 and Glen Heather Drive
• Hyde Park/Mueller: opens early 2017 at Airport and I-35
• Cedar Park: opens early 2017 at Highway 183A and E. Whitestone Boulevard

The company has built its loyal following on its famous fresh, never frozen grilled bone-in chicken that is marinated in a proprietary blend of tropical fruit juices and spices then flame grilled to perfection and served quartered or halved. The menu also includes Mojo Roast Pork, Grilled Tropical Wings and made-from-scratch sides like rice, beans, Caribbean corn souffle and balsamic tomatoes, all at a great value. The Tropical Lite menu offers tasty, lighter options that range from 340 to 510 calories and are built around the core Caribbean flavors of the Pollo Tropical menu. The restaurant uses ingredients that have zero added trans fats or hormones.

At Pollo Tropical, savory island spices, herbs and citrus juices are blended into rubs and marinades that enhance the flavors of its fresh dishes. The famous Saucing Island^® brings on the flavor – and a little heat – with 10 signature sauces including Curry Mustard, Guava BBQ, Pineapple Rum, Cilantro Garlic and Spicy Poyo-Poyo. To complement its menu, Pollo Tropical also offers a variety of island-inspired beverages, ranging from Caribbean beers to coconut water.

The 3,400-square-foot restaurants will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, and will feature seating for more than 90 guests, with limited table service and a convenient drive-thru. Kids eat free at Pollo Tropical all day on Tuesdays with the purchase of an adult entree. Pollo Tropical makes family gatherings, parties and even business lunches easy with catering and online ordering.

The restaurants are actively recruiting for all positions and plan to hire more than 160 hourly team members combined. Applications are being accepted at http://pollotropical.com/careers/job-postings/.

About Pollo Tropical
Pollo Tropical, a subsidiary of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., is a Caribbean-inspired fast casual concept known for its fresh, flame-grilled chicken marinated in a proprietary blend of tropical fruit juices and spices. Other craveable island favorites include Mojo Roast Pork and made-from-scratch sides including rice, beans, yuca with garlic sauce, sweet plantains and more. Menu items like the Tropical Citrus Chicken Salad, Guava BBQ Pork Sandwich and Create Your Own TropiChops^® can be customized with 10 zesty tropical signature sauces on Pollo Tropical's famous Saucing Island^®. Founded in 1988, the Miami-based company currently owns and operates more than 160 locations in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and Texas, plus five licensed restaurants on college campuses and 35 franchised locations throughout the Caribbean, Central America, South America and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit Pollo Tropical's website at www.pollotropical.com.

About Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc.
Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., owns, operates and franchises Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana^® restaurant brands. The brands specialize in the operation of fast casual, ethnic restaurants that offer distinct and unique flavors with broad appeal at a compelling value. The brands feature made-from-scratch cooking, fresh salsa bars, drive-thru service and catering. For more information about Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., visit the corporate website at www.frgi.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kerrie Sparks or Heather Byrd
214-379-7000
[email protected]
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SOURCE Pollo Tropical

Related Links

http://www.pollotropical.com