El Monterey Tornados respond to consumer demand for flavorful choices that are convenient and hot-to-go.

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DINUBA, CA: El Monterey Tornados continue to be the consumer’s choice for foods that are convenient, flavorful, and hot-to-go – three driving forces behind the success of today’s convenience stores and other quick-serve food outlets. On July 1, 2007, Ruiz Foods will introduce a new 3oz. El Monterey Tornado flavor – Firecracker Chicken – a hot wing style medley of tender chicken and Monterey Jack cheese in a crispy seasoned tortilla. 

“El Monterey Tornados are designed to capture the attention of consumers who are on the go,” said Bryce Ruiz, President and COO, Ruiz Foods.  “This consumer is hungry – but they’re also on the run and on the go. Our El Monterey Tornados offer just what they’re looking for – flavorful food that is convenient to eat and hot-to-go.”

According to NPD Foodworld’s “Eating Patterns in America” (2006), “Americans are motivated by convenience first.” Harry Balzer, Vice President of the NPD and author of the report says “convenience remains the driving force behind consumer purchasing decisions.”

“Our El Monterey Tornados not only revitalized the use of roller grills in convenience stores and quick-serve food outlets,” adds Ruiz, “but c-store retailers recently ranked El Monterey Tornados in the #1, #2 and #6 positions out of the top 10 frozen sandwiches by sku.”

El Monterey Tornados are soft flour tortillas rolled in crispy seasoned batter and stuffed with savory meats and real cheeses melted to perfection.  The regular size El Monterey Tornado is 3 oz. each and 6” in length, whereas the XXL Tornado is 4.25 oz each and 9” in length – 40% larger.  Tornados were originally formulated to bring the authentic flavors of Mexican food to the c-store consumer while utilizing the convenience of the roller grill.  Product is not only prepared on the roller grill, but then held warm on the roller grill or in the hot case.  The MSRP is $0.99 - $2.29. 

Available 3 oz. Tornados:
Steak, Egg & Cheese Tornados
Egg, Bacon, Cheese & Salsa Tornados
French Toast & Sausage Tornados
Ranchero Beef Steak & Cheese Tornados
Apple Cinnamon Tornados
Southwestern Style Chicken Tornados
Shredded Beef Tornados
Sausage, Egg & Cheese Tornados
Cheesy Pepper Jack Tornados
Grilled Chicken and Cheddar Tornados
Cheese and Pepperoni Tornados
Nacho Supreme Tornados
Supreme Omelet Tornado
NEW:  Firecracker Chicken Tornado

XXL 4.5 oz Tornados:
Cheese and Pepperoni XXL Tornados
Southwest Chicken XXL Tornados
Ranchero Beef Steak and Cheese XXL Tornados
Sausage, Egg and Cheese XXL Tornados

Ruiz Foods is a privately owned corporation with corporate offices in Dinuba, CA.  Third generation Kim Ruiz Beck, the elder daughter of Chairman and CEO Fred Ruiz, is Vice Chairman.  Bryce Ruiz, the elder son, is President and COO. 

Ruiz Foods is dedicated to premium quality, authentically prepared frozen Mexican foods selling to all channels of distribution:  retail, convenience store, clubs, vending, industrial and foodservice.  The signature brand is El Monterey®. Ruiz is the market leader within the frozen Mexican food category, manufactures the #1 Brand of frozen Mexican food in the U.S. and employs over 2,500 Team Members in three facilities located in the United States.  ##