CARLSBAD, Calif., April 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Rubio's Restaurants, Inc. and the law firm of Gallo & Associates today announced the settlement of a class action suit filed in June 2005 by clients of Los Angeles lawyer Ray E. Gallo, in Los Angeles Superior Court. The settlement includes no admission of wrongdoing by Rubio's, and neither party will comment on the merits of the matter.
The lawsuit alleged that Rubio's violated certain laws by advertising and selling its lobster products as "Lobster Burrito" and "Lobster Taco" when the products were made with Langostino. The suit said that this practice was deceptive and unfair. Rubio's denies the allegations raised in the lawsuit and believes it did not violate any law. The Court did not decide who was right. In response to the suit, Rubio's began using the term "Langostino lobster burrito" to more clearly identify the species used. Both sides agreed to settle the case and give benefits to Rubio's customers.
In settling the suit, Rubio's agreed to certify a class of customers who may have been confused by previous menu descriptions. According to Rubio's attorney Stu Shanus, a partner in the Century City office of Reed Smith LLP, class members and other customers were entitled to receive a one-time coupon worth $3 off a $10 purchase at any of Rubio's company owned and operated restaurants in California for a limited time.
"We have acted in good faith to promptly settle this matter so that we can relieve the uncertainty associated with litigation and focus on other business matters," said Ralph Rubio, CEO of Rubio's Restaurants, Inc. "We look forward to continuing to welcome the many satisfied guests who have enjoyed our food over the years."
Ray Gallo, lead attorney for the plaintiffs, further commented: "We are glad to have reached a reasonable compromise with Rubio's that provides a practical, useful, and easily accessible benefit to class members and to all Rubio's customers.
About Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill(R)
Bold, distinctive, Baja-inspired food is the hallmark of Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill. The first Rubio's(R) was opened in Mission Bay, a community of San Diego, in 1983 by Ralph Rubio. Rubio's is credited with introducing the "Original Fish Taco" to Southern California and starting a phenomenon that has spread coast to coast. In addition to all white meat chicken, slow roasted carnitas (pork) and lean carne asada steak, Rubio's menu features a variety of seafood items including grilled Mahi-Mahi and shrimp. Guacamole and a variety of salsas and proprietary sauces are made from scratch daily. The menu includes Street Tacos(SM), burritos, salads and bowls, tacos, quesadillas, HealthMex(R) items with less than 20 percent of calories from fat, and domestic and imported beer in most locations. Each restaurant design is reminiscent of the relaxed, warm and inviting atmosphere of Baja, California, a coastal state of Mexico. Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, Rubio's operates, licenses or franchises more than 150 restaurants in California, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and Nevada. More information can be found at http://www.rubios.com .
About Gallo & Associates
Los Angeles based Gallo & Associates (http://www.gallo-law.com ) represents and counsels senior executives in employment-related transactions, trials, and liability and governance matters. The firm prosecutes public interest and consumer cases like this one as part of its ongoing commitment to promote ethical business practices. Ray E. Gallo is a graduate of Yale and the UCLA Law School, and has been listed in Los Angeles Magazine as one of LA's "Rising Stars" and in Martindale Hubbell's Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers.
