SAN FRANCISCO - Chipotle Mexican Grill announced plans to test a new tofu menu item at seven San Francisco restaurants beginning February 12.

The vegetarian Sofritas, made with organic tofu, will include shredded tofu braised with chipotle chilies, roasted poblanos and a blend of aromatic spices. The company hopes that it will appeal to both vegetarian and vegan customers.

"We are changing the way people think about and eat fast food," said Steve Ells, Chipotle founder, chairman and co-CEO. "Sofritas is a very different menu item not just for Chipotle, but for any fast food or fast causal restaurant. It was really conceived with vegetarians and vegans in mind, but it??s so delicious that we believe it will have a broad appeal on taste alone."

Sofritas will be available in burritos, tacos, burrito bowls and salads. Chipotle previously tested a vegetarian menu item, Garden Blend, but it fell short of expectations. Depending on the results of Sofritas, Chipotle may look to expand the test to other markets later this year.