Carrols Restaurant's Miami subsidiary Pollo Tropical planning to expand to the Caribbean, Central and South Americas by franchising new locations in a number of countries

Graziela Medina Shepnick

MIAMI , June 8, 2010 (press release) – Miami-based Pollo Tropical® (pronounced PO-yo Tropi-CAL), a subsidiary of Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc., (NASDAQ:TAST), is planning to expand its unique restaurant concept to the Caribbean and Central and South America by franchising new locations in a number of countries.

Pollo Tropical owns and operates 91 locations in the United States and has had longstanding franchised restaurants in Puerto Rico and Ecuador. In the last two years, the company has opened franchised locations in Honduras, Trinidad and the Bahamas and has entered into a development agreement for locations in Panama as well.

The international franchising expansion effort is being led by Marc Mushkin, Pollo Tropical’s Senior Vice President of International Development. According to Mr. Mushkin, the brand is seeking seasoned franchise candidates with experience in the hospitality industry to enter into multiple-unit agreements. Targeted franchise territories in the Western Hemisphere include Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico and the Caribbean, including the Dominican Republic, St. Thomas, St. Martin, Martinique, Barbados, St. Kitts, Nevis, St. Lucia and the Netherlands Antilles, among others. Looking north, the Company is also setting its sights on Canada - as the country ranked #1 in foreign tourists who visit Miami, according to the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce.

“Pollo Tropical’s Caribbean-inspired menu, featuring its signature citrus-marinated grilled chicken and many other freshly made items, is appealing to today’s health-conscious consumer. The brand’s outstanding unit economics and differentiated food offerings make it a great addition to operators of others brands interested in diversifying their businesses,” said Mr. Mushkin. “There are nearly 50 delicious items to choose from on the Pollo Tropical menu which feature healthful, fresh ingredients and many made-from-scratch dishes,” he continued.

The first Pollo Tropical opened in 1988 in Miami. Over the years, the brand expanded its Company operations throughout Florida and has recently branched out to the northeast including locations in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

Besides the concept’s signature grilled chicken, Pollo Tropical’s open flame grills are busy with wings, shrimp, ribs and steak. In addition to the traditional Caribbean white rice and beans, a variety of other side dishes are also featured and regional variations have been developed for each new country where the brand has been launched. Pollo Tropical is also known for its often-imitated-but-never-duplicated line of TropiChops®, which feature a choice of white or yellow rice topped with tender grilled chicken breast or other options such as roast pork or fresh vegetables. Rounding out the menu are the brand’s award-winning Caesar salad, a hearty Caribbean Chicken Soup, wraps, sandwiches and a selection of desserts and beverages.

“Pollo Tropical prides itself on fresh, homemade, flavorful food that is known as an incredible value,” said Mr. Mushkin. “This is a brand perfectly positioned for today’s and tomorrow’s consumer.” If you believe you qualify and want more information about this opportunity, visit www.PolloTropical.com and click through to “Franchise Opportunities” or e-mail mmushkin@pollotropical.com.

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