Foodservice menu favorites migrating to the retail shelf? That’s nothing new. But how about a hit convenience store item making its way to retail?

That’s the idea behind Ruiz Foods’ transition of its popular Tornados line (created five years ago), to the supermarket freezercase.

“For some time now, our Hot-to-Go [convenience store] consumer has been encouraging us to make it possible for them to purchase Tornados at their local grocery store,” says Bryce Ruiz, president and co-CEO of the Dinuba, Calif., company. “… Consumers agree it is the convenience, value, great taste and quality ingredients of our Tornados by El Monterey that have made them extremely popular for all eating occasions.”

Originally developed as a hand-held meal or snack for on-the-go consumers, Tornados offer similar meal options for at-home consumption. Consumers heat them by pan frying, microwaving, deep frying or oven baking. Each 8.4-ounce box contains three Tornados and has a suggested retail of $2.79.

Six Tornados varieties are available: Ranchero Beef & Cheese, Grilled Chicken & Cheese, Chicken Club, Southwest Chicken, Cheesy Pepper Jack and Cheesy Pepperoni.