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Top 100: Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill No. 11

February 16, 2012

11. Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill

Carlsbad, Calif. / No. of units: 203

Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill, famous for its Baja-style fish tacos and other seafood specialties, proves that going green can be profitable. Known for its beach cleanup efforts, environmentally efficient store design and eco-friendly packaging, the company, having ended its first 2010 quarter with no debt and $8.3 million in cash, was acquired last year by private-equity firm Mill Road Capital LP for $91 million — or about 14 percent more per share than the company’s stock price at the time of the agreement.