Food & Beverage

El Pollo Loco, Yogurtland, Barberitos launch resolution-inspired LTOs

Provided

January 5, 2021

California-based fast casuals — Yogurtland and El Pollo Loco — as well as Georgia-based Barberitos have created limited-time offers to help customers keep their New Year's resolutions.

In an offering aimed at giving vegans more ways to stick to their diets, Yogurtland has created the Plant-Based Pineapple & Greens Smoothie Bowl. The 100%-vegan flavor, which includes pineapple juice, kale and spinach, is available for takeout or delivery at select Yogurtland locations for a limited-time only.

"Our new Smoothie Bowl expands our range of diverse and dietary-friendly options for our entire audience," Yogurtland's Senior Marketing Manager Brittany Knollmiller said in a company press release. "We are excited to start the year with a fresh new flavor that offers our guests a better-for-you treat that they can get creative with."

El Pollo Loco brings back Fit Bowls

Pollo Fit Bowls have returned to the menu at El Pollo Loco and just in time for customers trying to eat healthier this year, CEO and President Bernard Acoca said in a company press release.

"The last 10 months have had many of us sequestered at home, disrupting our routines and causing us to engage in less than ideal eating behaviors," he said. "Too many of us have replaced the gym for the couch with undesirable consequences."

To help say, "Adiós" to unwanted pounds, Pollo Fit Bowls include citrus marinated fire-grilled chicken, organic super greens and cilantro lime cauliflower rice.

"Our new better-for-you Pollo Fit Bowls are the perfect way to help you get back to your best self in the new year," Acoca said. "We are proud we are able to offer our customers organic ingredients and low carb options like cauliflower rice that are simply not available at quick service restaurants."

The lineup, available system-wide, includes:

• Double Protein Avocado Pollo Fit Bowl: This keto-friendly bowl is made with a double portion of citrus marinated fire-grilled chopped chicken breast, organic super greens, a lettuce blend with red cabbage, cilantro lime cauliflower rice, freshly sliced avocados, Tapatío seasoning, house-made pico de gallo salsa and queso fresco.
• Double Protein Fajita Pollo Fit Bowl: With 52 grams of protein, this bowl is made with a double portion of citrus marinated fire-grilled chopped chicken breast, organic super greens, a lettuce blend with red cabbage, seasoned black beans, fajita vegetables, sliced avocados, Tapatío seasoning and queso fresco.
• Double Protein Mexican Caesar Pollo Fit Bowl: With 4 grams of net carbs, this keto-friendly bowl is made with a double portion of citrus marinated fire-grilled chopped chicken breast, organic super greens, a lettuce blend with red cabbage, sliced radishes, crumbled cotija cheese, freshly sliced avocados, Tapatío seasoning and is topped with a lemon wedge.

Out with the old, in with the new
As El Pollo Loco continues its better-for-you innovations in 2021, the company plans to remove high-fructose corn syrup in its most popular dressing — the Keto Certified Creamy Cilantro Dressing.

In addition, the Mexican Vinaigrette, which is also Keto-Certified and free of high-fructose corn syrup, is replacing the chain's Citrus Vinaigrette, according to the release.

TV, social and digital ad campaigns will support the changes.

El Pollo has more than 475 company-owned and franchised restaurants in Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas, Utah and Louisiana.

Barberitos kicks off the hew year with fresh initiatives

Barberitos, a fast-casual Southwestern Grille and Cantina with 50 locations across the Southeast, has created a Lifestyle menu to give customers healthier options.

"We are so thankful to our loyal guests this past year that we wanted to reward everyone with the best Barberitos has to offer in 2021," Founder and CEO Downing Barber said in a company press release. "For those seeking to lose weight as a New Year's resolution, we recommend our Lifestyle Menu; while those looking to add a little spice to the season, add some Jalapeno Cheese Dip or a Ghost Pepper Tortilla to your favorite entree."

2021 initiatives and new menu items include:

• Lifestyle menu: guests can maintain their New Year's resolutions with fresh, healthy options.
• Ghost pepper tortilla: now offered in the larger burrito size for guests to spice up their entrees.
• Pork: a limited-time offer of slow-cooked protein with a secret combination of seven spices.

Barberitos has also added online ordering via its app or website.