COVER 3 launches Women’s World Cup programs

cover3soccer,jpg — COVER 3 has several activities this month in support of Women’s World Cup. Photo: COVER 3, used with permission.

Attention soccer fans:
COVER 3, Austin’s premier sports bar and restaurant, is excited to announce that the locally-owned-and-operated restaurant group is launching a brand-new initiative in support of the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup, which kicked off Friday, June 7 through the championship match on Sunday, July 7. All COVER 3 locations, along with COVER 2, will be offering a month-long, multifaceted campaign that includes a variety of incentive-laden punch card programs and limited-time-only in-store offerings. (COVER 3, 2019)

To help kick off the “Wings of the World” World Cup promotion, COVER 3 hosted a bracket competition last week for local patrons to pick the ultimate winner of this summer’s Women’s World Cup. The grand prize for the bracket competition is free wings-for-a-year and a $500 Gift Card, although the competition required a $5 buy-in to participate. 100% of proceeds raised from the bracket competition will be donated to local Partnerships For Children (PFC), COVER 3’s official charity partner in Austin, to help cover the cost of local foster children participating in organized team sports activities and recreational leagues.

All COVER 3 locations will host a drive for new team sports equipment to help stock PFC’s Rainbow Room with the overwhelming number of requests received specifically for sporting equipment. Key items include soccer balls, goalie gloves and shin guards, baseball bats and batting helmets, footballs, basketballs, cleats of all sizes and types and gift cards to Academy which will be used to purchase child specific sporting equipment needs.

PFC is a local nonprofit that provides critical resources to abused and neglected children in Central Texas who are in the care of Child Protective Services, and The Rainbow Room is PFC’s 24/7 resource center where caseworkers can gather essential items for children in crisis. Research supports that extracurricular activities increase a youth’s likelihood to not only stay in school, but to also maintain a certain GPA. The state of Texas does not cover the expense for any of these normalizing activities and nonprofit organizations, like PFC, work to fill this gap.

COVER 3 also had a special “Wings of the World” poll on its main Facebook and Instagram pages to ask fans what team they think will be the 2019 winner. Based on these findings, COVER 3 will create a custom chef-driven menu of five distinct World Cup-themed new flavors for the restaurant’s popular chicken wings, which have been named “Best Wings” at the Austin Chicken Wing Festival in recent years. One lucky fan will also be gifted a $50 gift card just for participating in the Facebook poll.

Finally, COVER 3 is creating a special Women’s World Cup Passport, a punch card and raffle contest, for which patrons are encouraged to participate in all facets of this month-long summer program. The punch card will have seven total holes which fans must complete in order to be entered in the larger Women’s World Cup raffle. Patrons must not only submit a completed bracket (#1) and donate a piece of children’s sports equipment (#2) at any COVER 3 or COVER 2 location, but they must dine at least four times at any COVER 3 location or COVER 2 during the period of June 7 to July 7, 2019.

The passport raffle will feature a variety of prizes, including a grand prize for one lucky fan:
• Grand Prize (x1): Free wings-for-a-year
• Second Prize (x5): $100 gift card
• Third Prize (x1 each):
o Two general admission tickets to an upcoming Austin Bold FC (at Circuit of The Americas)
o Merch bundle feat. t-shirt, tank top, and cap
o Branded product bundle feat. canteen, wine tumbler, wine key and bartender’s bottle opener

In addition to this month-long campaign, COVER 3 and COVER 2 will be hosting a variety of watch parties for those looking to catch some of the World Cup matches, including all of the early round games confirmed for Team USA on June 11, June 16, June 20. Specific promotions, discounts, and watch party information will be revealed closer to each game on Facebook and Instagram.

Shake Shack opens new San Antonio location

shakeshackopen7 — Friday’s ribbon cutting for the new Shake Shack. Photo: Sandra Cruz

Yesterday was the much-anticipated opening of the newest San Antonio location of Shake Shack, this one conveniently located at 3003 Broadway near Brackenridge Park, the San Antonio Zoo and the Witte Museum. The line of people waiting outside was decent-sized and once the doors opened, a steady stream of people continued coming in to enjoy the city’s newest burger restaurant. The actual ribbon cutting was in the front of the restaurant so unfortunately those waiting in line on the sidelines were not able to witness how excited and pumped up the employees were to get started.

Everyone from the manager to the employees were attentive and helpful and were more than happy to explain the menu and the company’s efforts to “Stand For Something Good®.” The food was high quality and delicious and as a vegetarian, it was nice to be able to actually have something to eat. Their ‘Shroom Burger, a crisp-fried portobello mushroom filled with melted Muenster and Cheddar cheeses, topped with lettuce, tomato and ShackSauce™ was delightful and filling. Those who came early enough snagged some Shake Shack swag that included a tote bag, a frisbee and a paper fan. I brought in a t-shirt and I was able to have it printed onsite by Burnt Nopal, formerly Snakehawk Press.

Shake Shack is a critically acclaimed, modern day “roadside” burger stand known for its 100% all-natural Angus beef burgers, chicken sandwiches and griddled flat-top dogs, no hormones or antibiotics ever, fresh-made frozen custard, crispy crinkle cut fries and more. A fun and lively community gathering place with widespread appeal, Shake Shack has earned a cult-like following around the world.

The 4,000 square-foot Shack will feature ample seating for guests, an outdoor patio and an interior feature wood wall. In keeping with Shake Shack’s commitment to green architecture and eco-friendly construction, the Brackenridge Shack’s tabletops will be made by CounterEvolution using reclaimed bowling alley lanes; chairs will be designed by Uhuru using sustainable materials; and booths will be crafted by Staach using lumber certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

Since 2004, Shake Shack’s mission is to Stand For Something Good®, from its premium ingredients and caring hiring practices to its inspiring designs and deep community investment. With its fresh, simple, high-quality food at a great value, Shake Shack is a fun and lively community gathering place with widespread appeal. Since the original Shack opened in 2004 in NYC’s Madison Square Park, the company has expanded to more than 220 locations in 26 U.S. States and the District of Columbia, including more than 70 international locations across London, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Dubai, Tokyo, Moscow, Seoul and more.

Father’s Day packages at Hiatus Spa + Retreat

hiatusfathersday — The Frosty Mug is just one of the packages available at Hiatus Spa + Retreat to celebrate dad this Father’s Day. Photo: Molly Culver, used with permission.

Father’s Day is coming up this month and Hiatus Spa + Retreat has packages to give Dad a well-deserved spa day. Each package at Hiatus is personalized from start to finish. All services include a purifying foot soak ritual and the signature hand and foot massage, along with a sensory journey and customized aromatherapy. (Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2019)

Father’s Day Packages include:
Frosty Mug: 80 mins, $195 | H-Circle $139 – After a thorough Dead Sea Salt body polish with woody essences of Cedar and Vetiver, Dad receives a shampoo and conditioning hair treatment with lathery scalp massage and a cool water rinse. Next is a refreshing massage under the warm Vichy shower with smooth stones of frozen beer that is sure to awaken the senses and boost circulation. An aromatic warm oil massage closes the experience but Dad’s retreat would not be complete without a frosty mug of local craft brew.

The Dad Bod: 2-3 Hours, $189 (normally $220) H-Circle $138 – His deserving choice of any two Hiatus Essential Services: The Signature Massage, The Tailor-Made Facial, The Body Glow, The Body Wrap, The One & Only Mani-Pedi

The Tip Top: 2 Hours, $210 (normally $250) H-Circle $168 – Knock it out of the park with two of the most popular services to leave Dad feeling shiny and new. First a sports massage with a custom blend of essential oils and guided stretching to banish aches and knots. Then, Pop gets an invigorating facial of exfoliation, masque and aromatherapy steam plus a hand and food massage. It ends with a restorative scalp treatment that makes this the perfect package from head-to-toe.

H-Circle Dad – H-Circle Members – There is nothing Dad likes more than spending time with kids. So, make it a family spa day and give him H-Circle guest pricing when he accompanies a member for a spa visit during the month of June. If he joins, Hiatus will waive his enrollment fee.

With soon-to-be seven locations across Texas, six years on Inc. 500’s fastest-growing companies and an innovative spa subscription model, Hiatus Spa + Retreat is a fresh kind of full-service spa that has changed the wellness industry. Powered by products with real green ingredients and a high-touch experience, Hiatus’s personalized approach to wellness is driven by the view that regular relaxation should be an empowering part of a healthy, happy lifestyle.

Hiatus Spa + Retreat
312 Pearl Pkwy, Building 4, Ste 4112
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 202-3355

Harlequin launches Feel Good Day and The OutStander Awards

Harlequin is expanding its Feel-Good Project, which was launched last fall, to San Antonio, and is announcing Feel Good Day on Saturday October 5 at the Omni La Mansión Del Rio hotel and The OutStander Awards. Tickets for Feel Good Day are now on sale online, starting at $199. The public can follow along on social media at #feelgoodday. (Harlequin, 2019)

The OutStander Awards will honor local people who make a difference in our community and the categories include:
o Person of Positivity: Those with stories of resilience, faith, optimism and overcoming challenges.

o Harlequin Hometown Hero: Women who serve and protect with their unwavering bravery, inspiring courage and commitment to the collective good.

o Community Catalyst: Advocates, volunteers and tireless contributors who affect positive change for populations at risk or in need.

o Cultural Champion: Those committed to making arts and literacy programs accessible for all.

o Millennial Groundbreaker: This groundbreaker is making waves through philanthropic or entrepreneurial efforts, or their active citizenship.

Nominations are now open and will be accepted through July 31. To submit a nomination and for complete rules and conditions visit Celebrate Feel Good online.

Feel Good Day is a one-day immersive celebration designed to induce happiness and focuses on making people be and feel their best. Program highlights include empowering and fun workshops on gratitude, movement, inspiration, nature, vision boarding and cooking as well as discussions with The New York Times bestselling authors Robyn Carr, Brenda Jackson and Susan Mallery. San Antonio’s own Mariachi Las Coronelas and chefs from The Culinary Institute of America will add regional flavor to the programming.

The Harlequin Feel Good Project is a four-part initiative including the Harlequin Creator Fund, the Feel-Good Challenge, Feel Good Day and Feel Good Sciences, designed to explore the power of positive experiences that fans expect from their stories. For additional information about the Harlequin Feel Good Project, please visit Feel Good online.

Harlequin is a leading publisher of commercial fiction and narrative nonfiction. The company publishes more than 110 titles a month, in both print and digital formats, in as many as 150+ international markets and 30+ languages. Encompassing highly recognizable imprints that span a broad number of genres, the publisher is home to many award-winning New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling authors. Harlequin is a division of HarperCollins Publishers, the second-largest consumer book publisher in the world, with operations in 18 countries.

Sweet Paris to bring taste of Paris to The Shops at La Cantera

Sweet Paris recently announced the opening in mid-June of their San Antonio location on Main Street at The Shops at La Cantera. The Parisian-inspired, fast casual restaurant offers a critically acclaimed selection of sweet and savory crêpes, from Apple Cinnamon Crème Brȗlée and S’mores made with Nutella®, torched marshmallows, graham crackers and semi-sweet chocolate to the ribeye-and-provolone stuffed Philly cheesesteak and the Nordic made with smoked salmon, dill sour cream, pickled red onions and capers. Sweet Paris will donate part of its grand opening proceeds to the not-for-profit Culinaria, which promotes San Antonio as a premier food and wine destination through year-round events including the Culinaria Wine + Food Festival. (Sweet Paris, 2019)

In keeping with Sweet Paris’ tradition of giving back to the community, the company has partnered with the San Antonio Food Bank in what will be an ongoing campaign to donate a portion of restaurant sales to programs that will provide meals for children. Sweet Paris supported the World Food Program until 2018, when the team decided to give back to the local Houston Food Bank, feeding the hungry in Southeast Texas.

Founded in Houston in 2012 by husband-and-wife team Allison Young Chavez and Ivan Chavez, the expansion into San Antonio is an exciting addition to the Sweet Paris family. The Chavez’ love of crêpes goes back to college, when Ivan spent a couple of summers studying French in Paris. He brought Allison to the City of Lights to propose, and to try to track down the sidewalk crêpe stand where he first became obsessed with street-style crêpes. When they got back to Houston, the couple could not find a restaurant that satisfied their Parisian-style crêpe cravings. That inspired them to open the first Sweet Paris. Locations include six cafes in the Houston area, including College Station, Katy and The Woodlands and a location inside a resort hotel in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.

A sumptuous assortment of breakfast crêpes is on the evolving brunch menu, which includes paninis, salads, soups and options for gluten-free crêpes. On those hot summer days, Sweet Paris invites guests to enjoy lavender mimosas, nitro brew coffee or milkshakes. The restaurant also will carry several offerings of beers and wines. The La Cantera café will have elements familiar to all Sweet Paris restaurants: Large industrial European chandeliers with crystal and large iron orbs all around, iron sconces and antique mirrors on blue, venetian plaster walls and marble top bistro tables. The café will have a larger outdoor patio space, giving café-goers the opportunity to enjoy the natural landscaping of The Shops at La Cantera. Chavez is looking forward to visitors taking time to enjoy the food and the ambience.

“Our target market is always lifestyle centers where people can eat, play and live. We like centers that attract people to spend the day, where they can pause and just enjoy the surroundings. We felt lucky we found such an awesome space at The Shops at La Cantera.” – Allison Young Chavez

Twangerz spices up look with new package design

twangerzpickle — Twangerz Flavored Salts has unveiled a brand new package design. Photo: Twang, used with permission.

Twang Partners, Ltd. recently announced the redesign of Twangerz Flavored Salts. It is the same great product many consumers have grown up with but now with a fresh, new look. The family-owned operator of salts and seasonings, best known for their Twang citrus-flavored beer salts, has refreshed the product’s packaging to feature a more animated design for each flavor of Twangerz as a fun way to pair consumers’ personalities with five of the Twangerz flavors. While the identity of the brand has been redesigned to include a 3D appearance, the formula remains unchanged. The entire line that has undergone the makeover includes the following flavors: Lemon Lime, Lime, Chili Lime, Pickle and Mango Chili, all of which can be found at most convenience and liquor stores throughout Texas and at select H-E-B Texas Grocery. (Twang, 2019)

Twangerz is a line of low-calorie, flavored salt blends that can be eaten alone or used as a snack topping on fruit, popcorn, lollipops, paletas (Mexican-style popsicles) and more. Twangerz fans also associate different flavors with various uses, like pickle salt as an aid to post-athletic activity, hence, the boxing pickle mascot represented on its 2019 bottle. Twangerz has historically been one of Twang’s more kid-friendly brands, in comparison to popular beer salt and Twang-A-Rita cocktail rimming blends, and some of the new Twangerz labels have strategically been designed with a younger audience, and the young at heart, in mind.

Twangerz was originally introduced in 1986 as a simple packet and used as a topping for convenience store retailers looking to provide their customers with a quick, grab-and-go spicy addition for salads, sandwiches, fruit, vegetables and salty snacks like chips, nuts and popcorn. The entire, re-branded line of Twangerz is available online via Amazon and at most convenience, liquor and select grocery stores. Consumers are encouraged to join Twang’s social media campaign and tell the company how they use different flavors of Twangerz and send their photos to them by using the hashtag #HowDoYouTwangerz.

Based in San Antonio, Texas, Twang Partners Ltd. is a family-owned and operated creator and manufacturer of premium-flavored salts, sugars and seasonings and credited as being “the original beer salt.” They have produced the highest quality products designed to enhance the taste, appearance and enjoyment of food and beverages. Brands include Beer Salt, Twangerz, Twang-A-Rita, Clamato Salt, ZAS! Super Seasoning, and Cafe Zuca.

“Our family grew up adding chile salt to snacks and the Twangerz brand was largely inspired by our childhood. We felt it was time to animate the brand and roll out some fun new packaging, it’s all a bit playful on purpose.” – Elysia Treviño-Gonzales, Chief Executive Officer for Twang

‘Four Places’ at The Surround Project

Local theatre company The Surround Project is taking on their second outing this summer with ‘Four Places’ by Joel Drake Johnson. Once again partnering with The Classic Theatre of San Antonio to bring another San Antonio premiere to the stage, the company will explore themes similar to those tackled in their maiden voyage production of ‘9 Circles.’ Co-founder Eva Laporte directs ‘Four Places’ by Joel Drake Johnson which will run from Thursday June 13 through Sunday June 23 and will consist of eight performances only with showtimes Thursday through Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. (The Surround Project, 2019)

General seating in groups begins 45 minutes to curtain. No late seating or re-entry will be allowed. This play includes mature content. Tickets are $25 and are available online and consists of General Admission seating only. Guests will check-in and be assigned seating groups.

Laporte shares the connection between the two plays: “There’s a through line from our first production of ‘9 Circles,’ a play about war trauma, sexual violence and the politics of war, to our current production of ‘Four Places.’ In this play, we’re exploring the politics of a family and the trauma adult children must face in order to be happy, resilient, fulfilled people.”

In ‘Four Places,’ a seemingly innocent and routine family lunch between Peggy and her two adult children Ellen and Warren slowly reveals itself to have dire implications. The cast includes Kathy Couser as Peggy, Catherine Babbitt as Ellen and Andrew Thornton as Warren. Sarah Fisch rounds out the cast as Barb, the waiter for the family lunch. Directed by Eva Laporte, it includes Lighting Design by Kaitlin Muse, Music Composition & Sound Design by John Coker.

The Surround Project is inviting local non-profits to participate and build a bridge between audiences and experts, creating a dialogue about the themes seen on stage.

“Our first official community partner for ‘Four Places’ is Jewish Family Service. Providing mental health services for the entire San Antonio community, JFS is a local resource for many of the issues found in our play. JFS CEO Talli Dolge, MS, is excited to work with us and will serve as one of our talk back panel experts,” Eva LaPorte

Special Events:
Audiences are invited to join an informal chat with the artistic team after every performance. More information about The Surround Project is available online where new events will also be added.
Friday, June 14 – Donor Pre-show Reception
Sunday, June 15 – Expert-led panel post-show discussion
Friday, June 21 – Dual ASL-interpreted performance

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio
1924 Fredericksburg Rd
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 589-8450

Gennady Golovkin vs Steve Rolls Watch Party

fasteddieboxing — Fast Eddie’s will be having a Gennady Golovkin vs Steve Rolls boxing match watch party this Saturday. Photo: Fast Eddie’s, used with permission.

Head over to select Fast Eddie’s Billiards on Saturday, June 8 at 6p.m. to watch the Gennady Golovkin vs Steve Rolls boxing match. They will be showing the fight on multiple screens at select venues. Attendees can play some pool, enjoy adult beverages at the bar and catch all the action of this knock-out match at Fast Eddie’s. (Fast Eddie’s, 2019)

Fast Eddie’s opened its first location in San Antonio in August 1998 by hospitality experts and bar veterans, Bob Wilson, Mark Beyer and Mark Lewis. These talented entrepreneurs created a neighborhood gathering place with more entertainment options than were available at any other billiards halls. With large, comfortable environments that feature multi-dimensional entertainment, high-end audio-visual equipment, top of the line pool tables, dart boards, video games, music, comfort food, a full bar, themed events and charity benefits, Fast Eddie’s has drawn a loyal following. The single pool hall on Culebra Rd became so successful, it spurred the growth of Fast Eddie’s to 15 locations in Texas and Louisiana.

Fast Eddie’s Billiards & Sports Bar
9910 W Loop 1604 N Suite 113
San Antonio, TX

400 Nolana Ave., Space G
McAllen, TX

13945 N. Hwy 183 Ste. #D122
Austin, TX

1619 S. Kentucky Dr.
Amarillo, TX

7301 University Ave. Ste. 400
Lubbock, TX

Shake Shack’s new Brackenridge location opens this week

shakeshackburgeres19 — Shake Shack’s new location opens this Friday. Photo: Kristyn Clark, used with permission.

This week, Shake Shack® announced the opening of its newest Texas location in San Antonio on Friday, June 7 at 11a.m. The Shack will be located at 3003 Broadway Street, just moments away from the expansive Brackenridge Park and the San Antonio Zoo. To celebrate the good news, there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony Friday at 10:30a.m. where attendees will have a chance to score some swag. The first 100 people in line when doors open at 11 a.m. will receive a complimentary custom tote bag that will be screen printed on site by Brunt Nopal, formerly Snakehawk Press. After the first 100 guests, other customers can also bring in their own items (tote bags, t-shirts, etc.) to get it screen printed free of charge. (Shake Shack, 2019)

In addition to the classics, the Brackenridge Shack will be spinning up a unique selection of frozen custard concretes with local purveyors:
• Pie Oh My: Vanilla custard blended with pieces of The Granary Buttermilk Chess Pie
• S’more: Chocolate custard, marshmallow sauce, graham crackers and Mast Brothers dark chocolate chunks
• Macaron Swoon: Vanilla custard, strawberry purée, lemon curd and Bakery Lorraine macaron shell pieces

Guests can wash their burgers down with local brews from Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling, Pedernales Brewing Company and Lone Star Brewing Company plus Shake Shack’s exclusive Brooklyn Brewery ShackMeister® Ale. Wine lovers can enjoy a glass of Shack RedTM and Shack WhiteTM wine from the Gotham Project.

As part of Shake Shack’s mission to Stand For Something Good®, the Brackenridge Shack will donate 5% of sales from the Pie Oh My concrete to San Antonio Food Bank, an organization that fights hunger in Southwest Texas through food distribution, education and advocacy.

Skip the line with the Shack App, a mobile ordering app that lets customers save time by ordering ahead. Guests can select their location, pick their food, choose a pickup time and their meal will be cooked-to-order and timed to arrival. Available on iOS and Android.

Shake Shack
3003 Broadway St.
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 469-3732

Evenings on the Edge at Topaz: summer pool parties to benefit charities

eveningsonedge — This year’s Evenings on the Edge at Topaz pool parties begin on Thursday June 6. Photo: La Cantera Resort & Spa, used with permission.

Evenings on the Edge at Topaz are evening events that benefit local charities and feature live entertainment. This series of popular sunset adult pool parties is back this summer at La Cantera Resort & Spa every Thursday beginning June 6, except for Thursday July 4, and running through August 8 from 7p.m. to 11p.m. Tickets are $30 if purchased in advance; guests must be 21 and over and ID is required. Event is free for resort guests: all they must do is simply present their key at the register desk to receive their wrist bands. Tickets at the door are $40 and Valet at the door is $10. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2019)

Ticket includes a summer-inspired cocktails and live performances and/or DJ, all with the unrivaled Hill Country views as backdrop. This year, the series includes themed evenings and additional fun and excitement. Attendees will receive a complimentary cocktail upon entry and a Moet Chandon toast at sundown. In the event of inclement weather, ticket will be honored at a future event based on availability; tickets are non-refundable.

Ten private cabañas also are available for rent and require 24-hour cancellation. A portion of ticket sales and cabaña rentals benefit local charities. A Topaz Sunset Pass is available for $150 per person ($300 value) and includes one ticket to each Evenings on the Edge event. Available through week 6, July 18, of 2019 Evenings on the Edge season. Detailed information on cabaña rentals and Topaz Sunset Passes is available online.

• Thursday, June 6 – San Antonio Zoo; Theme: Yacht Club; Music by The Night Owls
• Thursday, June 13 – Viola’s Huge Heart; Theme: Summer Chic
• Thursday, June 20 – San Antonio Food Bank; Peanut Butter and Jelly donations requested
• Thursday, June 27 – Silver and Black Give Back; Theme: Throwback Thursday – wear vintage jersey
• Thursday, July 11 – Culinaria; Theme: White Party
• Thursday, July 18 – August Heart; Theme: Summer Chic
• Thursday, July 25 – Fashion Group International; Theme: Best of the 70s and 80s; Music by Finding Friday
• Thursday, August 1 – Eva’s Heroes; Theme: Little Polka-Dot Bikini
• Thursday, August 8 – San Antonio Library Foundation: Theme: Beach Party; Band TBD

La Cantera Resort & Spa
16641 La Cantera Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78256
(210) 558-6500

SA Examiner

Your Insider Source For Entertainment And Business Headlines

Author: Sandra Cruz