Chipotle Mexican Grill will expand its popular vegan menu option, Sofritas, in nine new states in the South.
"Sofritas is a very different kind of menu item, not just for Chipotle but for any fast-food or fast-casual restaurant," Steve Ells, Chipotle founder, chairman and co-chief executive, said in a statement according to Nation's Restaurant News.
"In creating the recipe for Sofritas, we wanted to produce something that would appeal to vegetarian and vegan customers, but that was delicious enough to have crossover appeal as well."
Sofritas, which are composed of shredded tofu sautéed with traditional Mexican herbs and spices, have gained popularity in larger metropolitan areas, including New York and San Francisco.
Some critics argue, however, that vegan-friendly menu options offered at Chipotle locations in the South will not have strong popularity.
Chipotle representatives told Nation's Restaurant News that it plans to add Sofritas to its permanent menu across the entre United States by the end of 2014.
The franchise is one of many cafeteria-style fast food chains that are rising in stock.
