A fast-casual California restaurant chain has revealed an opening date for one of its Tampa Bay locations: Sept. 1.
In June, Rubio's Restaurants announced the acquisition of eight Florida Lime Fresh Mexican Grills was complete and that it would begin converting these into Rubio's Coastal Grill eateries. The Corner at Westshore retail center, located at 1824 N. Westshore Blvd., will be the first Rubio's restaurant to launch in Florida, with other new locations, including one at St. Petersburg's Tyrone Square Mall, scheduled to open through the end of the year.
After a college trip to Baja California, Mexico, Rubio's co-founder Ralph Rubio picked up an affinity for fish tacos and brought it back to the U.S. The first restaurant for the brand, which has been credited with starting America's fish taco phenomenon, opened to San Diego more than 30 years ago. Now, Rubio's operates close to 200 restaurants with the addition of the Florida market.
The "chef-crafted menu and coastal ambiance" will carry over to the Tampa Rubio's. Diners will feast upon plates with grilled-to-order, responsibly sourced seafood (such as shrimp and wild mahi mahi), bowls and salads featuring proteins like steak and antibiotic-free chicken, fresh house-made guac, and, of course, tacos. Decked out in sea-themed decor and aesthetics that speak to the beach heritage of Rubio's, the restaurant will feature cobalt, green, indigo and sand sparkle hues, natural wood, modern pendant lighting and community-style seating.
To celebrate the Tampa location's opening, Rubio's will give the first 100 guests who stop in one complimentary taco and merchandise.
This article appears in Aug 4-11, 2016.