Prandium's El Torito Teams with Hormel to Roll Out Signature Branded Products

Through a licensing agreement with Hormel Foods Corp. (Austin, MN), El Torito Restaurants, Inc. (Irvine, CA), subsidiary of Prandium, Inc., plans to unveil a line of signature El Torito branded products throughout major Southern California supermarkets in late May 1999. Working closely with El Torito's executive chef, Pepe Lopez, Hormel has packaged for in-store retail use some of the most popular El Torito restaurant items. These include a variety of salsas, salad dressings, enchilada sauces, fajita, taco and guacamole seasoning mixes as well as a sweet corn cake mix.

"We are confidant that our relationship with Hormel will only enhance our brand identity, and ultimately will drive sales at both retail and restaurant level," said Joe Herrera, senior VP of marketing for El Torito. "We're looking forward to being able to provide millions of Southern California grocery shoppers the opportunity to experience a complete El Torito Mexican fiesta in their own home."

The new El Torito branded products will provide consumers the opportunity to prepare Mexican meals at home quickly and easily. Inspired by the recipes served in El Torito restaurants, three salad dressings include Cilantro Pepita Dressing, Serrano Ranch and Serrano Grape Vinaigrette. In addition, El Torito branded taco, fajita and guacamole seasonings offers consumers ways to enjoy tasty and authentic Mexican meals at home. And to complete any traditional meal, consumers can add the sweet corn cake mix as a side dish or dessert. The new products' suggested retail prices range from 99 cents to $3.69.

El Torito Restaurants, Inc., which is known today as Prandium, Inc., operates more than 300 full-service and fast-casual restaurants in 28 states and 23 restaurants outside the U.S. The company is known around the globe for its Chi-Chi's, El Torito, Koo Koo Roo, Hamburger Hamlet and Casa Gallardo restaurant names.