Food & Beverage

Café Rio debuts LTO Utah Burrito as turnaround continues

Source: Cafe Rio

July 30, 2026

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Café Rio has introduced the limited-time Utah Burrito as part of its broader turnaround effort. The state-inspired menu item debuted July 24, Utah's Pioneer Day, and will be available exclusively at Utah locations while supplies last.

The Utah Burrito features seasoned ground beef, pico de gallo, a secret burger sauce, a blend of cheeses and fresh lettuce wrapped in a tortilla. It is served with chili-lime fries and a side of Fry Sauce, a Utah favorite.

The launch comes shortly after Mike Burns was named CEO in June to lead the chain's turnaround. Café Rio has faced customer criticism over menu changes that altered its signature sweet pork recipe and salad dressings while eliminating its medium sauce and soups. Customers also voiced concerns about restaurant cleanliness and customer service.

"We quickly realized just how much these sauces mean to our guests," Burns said in a press release. "The decision to simplify the menu was made with the intention of improving the experience, but we know we missed the mark. We're committed to this turnaround, and that starts with listening. So know that we hear your feedback, we'll continue to learn from it, and you can expect more improvements to come."

The company said it is restoring its original sweet pork and salad dressing recipes while working to improve restaurant operations.

Café Rio, which was acquired by private equity firm Freeman Spogli & Co. in 2017, operates 150 restaurants across 11 states.