Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill to open new restaurant in Orem

Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill will open its seventh location in Utah Thursday, Feb. 18, in the University Festival Shopping Center, 530 E. University Parkway in Orem. Photo courtesy Rubios.com.

Carlsbad, CA – Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill will open its seventh location in Utah Thursday, Feb. 18, in the University Festival Shopping Center, 530 E. University Parkway in Orem. The San Diego-based chain is introducing a new, more upscale design at its Orem 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, Feb. 17, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., to benefit Friday’s Kids Respite. The Orem-based non-profit provides a safe and fun recreational environment for children with special needs, so parents can regroup and spend one-on-one time with other family members. 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, Feb. 18, 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 TacosSM, the Big Burrito EspecialSM 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 percent 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 University Festival Shopping Center in Orem near the crossing of State Street and University Parkway. The popular San Diego chain is introducing a new restaurant design in Orem 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 Utah County,” 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.”

The Orem Rubio’s will employ 30 team members from the local community. It is the seventh Rubio’s in Utah, in addition to West Jordan, Salt Lake City, Sugar House, Murray, Riverdale and American Fork.