# Spicy-Sweet Protein Options Cafe Rio Mexican Grill Just Added a New Pollo Asado Protein By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2022-07-24 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pollo-asado References: [qsrmagazine](https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/cafe-rio-adds-pollo-asadao-limited-time)  [Cafe Rio Mexican Grill](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baja-citrus-shrimp-tacos) has just unveiled [Pollo](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fresca-salads-and-wraps) [Asado](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/karl-jacobs-burrito) as its latest protein option. This tasty new option can be added to everything from burritos to tacos. Cafe Rio Mexican Grill is the Salt Lake City-based chain known for its Sweet Pork Barbacoa and other made-from-scratch Mexican dishes. The chain's latest menu addition is the new Pollo Asado protein option. This meaty topper consists of marinated and glazed grilled chicken that features a touch of sweetness from honey and a kick of spicy from habanero peppers. As Cafe Rio’s Chief Operations Officer, Abe Hollands, explains, "We are thrilled to introduce this new flavor profile. Customization is a key element of our menu and adding another flavor of freshly grilled chicken expands options for our customers to craft their flavor masterpiece.” Image Credit: Cafe Rio Mexican Grill ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.6/10 - Popularity: 21% | Activity: 46% | Freshness: 12% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Spicy-sweet Menu Options:** Restaurants can introduce new menu items that balance sweet and spicy flavors to appeal to adventurous palates. - **Customizable Menus:** Restaurants can increase customer satisfaction by offering a variety of protein options and customizable dishes. - **Locally Sourced Ingredients:** Restaurants can differentiate themselves by incorporating locally sourced and unique ingredients to create flavorful dishes. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Fast-casual Restaurants:** Fast-casual restaurants can implement customizable menus and incorporate local ingredients to attract health-conscious and adventurous customers. - **Food Delivery Services:** Food delivery services can partner with restaurants that offer spicy-sweet menu options to provide unique and exciting dishes to customers. - **Meal Kit Delivery Services:** Meal kit delivery services can incorporate locally sourced ingredients to offer unique and flavorful dishes to customers interested in culinary exploration. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Freshly Flavored QSR Proteins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chipotle-pollo-asado.md) - [Hot Honey-Flavored Proteins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chipotle-10.md) - [Sweet Heat QSR Proteins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chipotle-honey-chicken.md) - [Highly Anticipated Menu Reintroductions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chicken-al-pastors.md) - [Grilled Steak Protein Options](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grilled-steak-protein.md) - [Spicy Adobo Chicken Options](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spicy-chicken-offering.md) - [Chipotle-Spiced Seafood Proteins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spicy-shrimp.md) - [Dippable Beef Tacos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beef-birria-with-consomm-dip.md) - [Sweet Heat Chicken Dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mango-habanero-firegrilled-chicken.md)