Taco Cabana Introduces Chipotle Corn Street Tacos

Limited Time Menu Item Inspired by Culinary Team Trip to Mexico

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Jun 11, 2012, 10:00 ET

SAN ANTONIO, June 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Taco Cabana is introducing Chipotle Corn Street Tacos to its menu for a limited time. The new tacos, inspired by a culinary trip to Mexico City and Puebla last September, feature the simple, yet savory flavors that the team experienced as they sampled food from various street vendors during their visit.

(PHOTO: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120611/DA21639)

"Our culinary team is always looking for inspiration to continually innovate our menu," said Walter "Smokey" Waters, executive chef at Taco Cabana. "On a recent trip to the interior of Mexico, we paid particular attention to the numerous street vendors and were inspired by the aromas and bright colors of roasting fresh corn."

The new Chipotle Corn Street Tacos are made with grilled, marinated steak and topped with a mix of sweet yellow corn kernels, fresh-cut jalapeno peppers and diced onions, grilled together until lightly charred. The tacos are then finished off with a creamy chipotle cream sauce and cotija cheese.

"Cotija cheese, named after the Mexican town of Cotija de la Paz in the state of Michoacan, is one of the most popular cheeses in authentic Mexican cooking," said Diego Galicia, corporate chef at Taco Cabana. "We wanted to incorporate the authentic taste of cotija, since it serves as the perfect complement to the many flavors in this dish."

Each taco is served open-faced on mini corn tortillas and then served three at a time, with fresh lime wedge garnishes, as is the tradition with the authentic street food vendors.

"This latest version of street tacos shows Taco Cabana's commitment to innovation as we continue to showcase the fresh flavors and ingredients coming out of Mexico," said Todd Coerver, chief brand officer at Taco Cabana. "Our street tacos have been extremely popular with our guests as they offer an authentic Mexican food experience at a very affordable price."

The Chipotle Corn Street Tacos are priced at $4.79 in all markets and are available for a limited time only. Steak Street Tacos are a permanent, year-round menu item and have been a fan favorite since they were first introduced in 2010.

Contest Winner Makes Commercial Debut
Fans will also notice a new face in the latest commercials running in support of the Chipotle Corn Street Tacos. After submitting a video as part of a fan contest, "Anna Cabana," Anna Ochoa was chosen as the winner of an all-access pass to spend the day on-set with TC Girl, Anjelah Johnson, along with landing a part in the commercial. "Anna wowed judges with her "Anna Cabana" rap and engaging personality," said Anjelah Johnson. "She impressed everyone on set, especially me."

About Taco Cabana: The Flavors of Mexico
In 1978, Taco Cabana began as a taco stand in San Antonio, with the unique recipes and ingredients that reflect our rich Mexican culture and food. With more than 156 restaurants in 3 states, Taco Cabana continues to redefine the Mexican fast-casual dining experience through ongoing menu and service enhancements. We are committed to providing our guests the true flavors of Mexico, served up in a relaxing, patio cafe environment. From our kitchens' daily fresh-made tortillas and handmade salsas to our flame-grilled fajitas and refreshing tequila margaritas, our commitment to quality lives on, making Taco Cabana one of the region's most enduring and beloved Mexican food brands. Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter for offers and updates from Taco Cabana or for more information, please visit www.tacocabana.com.

About Fiesta Restaurant Group
Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. owns and operates the Pollo Tropical(R) and Taco Cabana(R) restaurant brands with 243 company-owned and operated restaurants and 38 franchised restaurants in the U.S., Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, Cost Rica, Ecuador, Honduras, Trinidad, Panama and Venezuela. The brands specialize in the operation of fast-casual, ethnic restaurant brands that offer distinct and unique flavors with a broad appeal at a compelling value. Both brands feature made-from-scratch cooking, fresh salsa bars, and drive-thru service and catering. Fiesta common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol FRGI. For more information about Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. visit the company's website at www.frgi.com.

SOURCE Taco Cabana