Category: Food News

Celebrate the holiday season with Taco Cabana’s new menu items

Taco Cabana’s new breakfast tortas are available all day every day at all Texas locations. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Taco Cabana is celebrating the holiday season with the addition of several all-new holiday menu items. Starting tomorrow, December 2, 2020, guests can enjoy Taco Cabana’s new TC Torpedoes, breakfast tortas, churros and hot and cold alcoholic and non-alcoholic holiday beverages including Rum Tea Punch and Cafe de Olla, as well as two new Taco Cabana margarita flavors, Candy Cane and Apple Spice. (Taco Cabana, 2020)

For the very first time, Taco Cabana introduces TC Torpedoes – fried corn masa filled with the guest’s choice of chicken tinga or cheese and poblano. TC Torpedoes come as a two-pack for $4.99; as a plate with rice, beans, guacamole and two tortillas for $6.99; or as a combo with chips, queso and a 20 oz. drink for $7.99.

Taco Cabana continues to enhance its beverage options with a variety of new hot and cold alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. For guests looking to warm things up, Taco Cabana is offering its new Rum Tea Punch made with Bacardi Rum or non-alcoholic Cafe de Olla, a sweetened coffee with hints of cinnamon. As the margarita capital of Texas, Taco Cabana delivers again with its latest margarita offerings – Candy Cane and Apple Spice. Each beverage is available for $3 at all participating Texas Taco Cabana locations. 

Looking to sweeten your TC meal? Guests can now enjoy a two-pack of Taco Cabana’s new churros for just $2.99. This holiday season, guests can also give the gift that keeps on giving. For every $25 in Taco Cabana Gift Cards purchased, guests will receive a free $5 Holiday Guest Appreciation Card to use on future Taco Cabana visits.

Also releasing system-wide tomorrow at all Texas locations, Taco Cabana introduces its new breakfast tortas, available all day every day. Breakfast lovers can enjoy a Chorizo & Egg or Cheese & Egg torta for $2.99, or a Bacon, Egg & Cheese torta for $3.99.  

The seasonal menu items are available for online ordering for front counter and curbside pick-up, via the drive-thru or by mobile order when using the MyTC! App. Select Taco Cabana dining rooms and patios are now open as well.

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRGI), was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of beer and tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of January 1, 2020, Taco Cabana operates 145 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., owns, operates and franchises Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana® restaurant brands. The brands specialize in the operation of fast casual/quick service restaurants that offer distinct and unique flavors with broad appeal at a compelling value. The brands feature fresh-made cooking, drive-thru service and catering.

Taco Cabana’s special offers for veterans and active duty military

Taco Cabana celebrates veterans and active military with special offers. Photo: Giant Noise, used with permission.

To honor and show its gratitude for members of the armed services, Taco Cabana is inviting veterans and active military members to enjoy half-priced enchiladas this Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at all locations in Texas. Veterans and active military members can order a two-enchilada or three-enchilada plate for 50% off the regular price. The popular Tex-Mex chain is offering its cheese enchiladas with a choice of six sauces and guests can choose to add shredded chicken, ground beef, chicken fajita or steak fajita as well. (Taco Cabana, 2020)

Offer is valid Wednesday, November 11, 2020 only when ordered at the TC front counter or via the convenient TC drive-thru.  Not available through online ordering or the MYTC! App.  

In addition to the Veterans Day offer, Taco Cabana celebrates members of the US Military every day with a 20% discount (excluding alcohol and gift cards). Taco Cabana also celebrates Military Appreciation Day on the second Tuesday of every month where military personnel can enjoy a free shredded chicken taco or ground beef taco all day. 

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRGI), was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of beer and tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of Nov. 1, 2020, Taco Cabana operates 144 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., owns, operates and franchises Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana® restaurant brands. The brands specialize in the operation of fast casual/quick service restaurants that offer distinct and unique flavors with broad appeal at a compelling value. The brands feature fresh-made cooking, drive-thru service and catering.

Half price nachos at Taco Cabana for National Nacho Day

Celebrate National Nacho Day at Taco Cabana. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Celebrate National Nacho Day at Taco Cabana this Friday, November 6, 2020. Taco Cabana guests can enjoy their favorite nachos at half price all day at all Texas locations. (Taco Cabana, 2020) 

Taco Cabana nachos include Bean & Cheese, Ground Beef, Steak Fajita, Chicken Fajita and Kickin’ Grande Nachos. All nachos feature a variety of toppings to choose from, including queso, shredded cheese, refried beans, sour cream and guacamole.

Orders can be placed online for front counter and curbside pick-up, via the drive-thru or by mobile order when using the MyTC! App. Select Taco Cabana dining rooms and patios are now open as well.

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRGI), was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of beer and tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of Jan. 1, 2020, Taco Cabana operates 145 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., owns, operates and franchises Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana® restaurant brands. The brands specialize in the operation of fast casual/quick service restaurants that offer distinct and unique flavors with broad appeal at a compelling value. The brands feature fresh-made cooking, drive-thru service and catering.

Taco Cabana introduces Green Chile Brisket to menu

Taco Cabana introduces Green Chile Brisket available in various menu items. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Taco Cabana is bringing brisket back with the introduction of Green Chile Brisket. Launching Monday, November 2, 2020, Taco Cabana offers brisket in a new, delicious way. Taco Cabana took Texas’ favorite cut of beef and added its own twist – tender cuts of smoked brisket cooked in a green chile sauce, made with roasted jalapenos and tomatillo sauce. Fans of the iconic brand can enjoy Green Chile Brisket in a variety of platforms, including breakfast tacos ($2.29), tortas ($5.99), tacos ($3.49) and Cabana Bowls ($7.69) for a limited time. Green Chile Brisket will be available at all participating Texas locations. (Taco Cabana, 2020)

Taco Cabana’s Green Chile Brisket is the latest addition to the restaurant chain’s fall menu, following the recent launch of Enchilada Fest and the addition of Taco Cabana’s seasonal margaritas and Caramel Apple Empanadas. Customers can order online for front counter and curbside pick-up, via the drive-thru or by mobile order when using the MyTC! App.  Select Taco Cabana dining rooms and patios are now open as well. 

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of beer and tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of Jan. 1, 2020, Taco Cabana operates 145 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., owns, operates and franchises Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana® restaurant brands. The brands specialize in the operation of fast casual/quick service restaurants that offer distinct and unique flavors with broad appeal at a compelling value. The brands feature fresh-made cooking, drive-thru service and catering.

Whataburger and San Antonio Food Bank team up for fundraiser

Whataburger and San Antonio Food Bank team up for fundraiser for student hunger relief. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

This month, as part of the Whataburger Feeding Student Success program, Whataburger is partnering with the San Antonio Food Bank to help fight hunger and provide meals for San Antonio’s most vulnerable, as there are 50,000 more children in need since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. (San Antonio Food Bank, 2020)

From Monday, October 5 at 3p.m. through Friday, October 30 at 12a.m., customers who donate $1 or more to the San Antonio Food Bank at any Whataburger location across San Antonio or Schertz will receive a thank-you coupon for a free Whataburger with purchase of a medium fry and 32-ounce drink. The $1 donation provides seven meals from the San Antonio Food Bank and helps reach their goal of providing 350,000 meals to local children.

The San Antonio Food Bank is a 501c3 non‐profit organization providing millions of pounds of food to over 530 charitable organizations in Southwest Texas serving those in need. In addition to food distribution, the San Antonio Food Bank provides numerous programs that not only solve the immediate problems of hunger, but help individuals and families gain long‐term food security.

Whataburger has focused on its fresh, made-to-order burgers and friendly customer service since 1950 when Harmon Dobson opened the first Whataburger as a small roadside burger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. Today, the company is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, with more than 840 locations in 10 states and sales of more than $2.5 billion annually. Whataburger has 46,000 Family Members (employees) and more than 14 million customers who like to customize their Whataburgers just the way they like it.

“A few weeks ago we pulled the trigger on preparing thousands of meals a day for kids who were struggling with food. We needed a miracle to cover our unexpected expenses. Whataburger provides the opportunity for the magic, but the customer will be the real miracle maker. I have full hope that our great community will come through and make it happen.”-  Eric Cooper, President & CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank

“Too many families in our community struggle to put food on the table for their children, and since the pandemic began, we know more children than ever are facing food insecurity. We started the Whataburger Feeding Student Success program to remove obstacles for our students, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with the San Antonio Food Bank to support families at a critical time, and get kids the nutrition they need to be healthy and successful.” – Rob Rodriguez, SVP and Chief Restaurant Operating Officer of Whataburger

Spicy Chicken Sandwich and Hatch Green Chile Bacon Burger at Whataburger

The Hatch Green Chile Bacon Burger is available for a limited time at Whataburger. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.

Whether you like some spice or a roasted smoky heat, Whataburger has you covered with two new menu items. For a limited time only, fans can treat their taste buds to the Spicy Chicken Sandwich and Hatch Green Chile Bacon Burger. (Whataburger, 2020)

The Spicy Chicken Sandwich brings the perfect combination of flavor and heat to spice up your next meal. The sandwich starts with a meticulously marinated, crispy chicken filet, topped with fresh, cool leaf lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and mayo, finished with a toasted four-inch bun.

The Hatch Green Chile Burger has everything Whataburger fans love-double meat, double cheese and crispy bacon, plus the smooth, roasted heat of Hatch green chiles. It features two fresh all-beef patties topped with Hatch green chiles, crispy bacon, one slice of American cheese, one slice of Monterey Jack cheese and creamy mayo, all atop a signature five-inch toasted bun.

Whataburger has been making burgers since 1950 when Harman Dobson opened a humble hamburger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas.  He wanted customers to take one bite and say, “What a burger” so he named his stand on Ayers St “Whataburger.” Whataburger now has over 800 locations across the country and continues to deliver fresh, made to order meals every day with superior customer service.  Community support includes charitable giving and volunteerism to nonprofit organizations that focus on children’s charities, cancer research, hunger assistance, disaster relief and military support.

 

San Antonio’s Full Belly Cafe and Bar reopens next week

Full Belly Cafe and Bar will reopen on Monday October 5. Photo: Full Belly Cafe and Bar, used with permission.

Full Belly Cafe and Bar had been open for only 32 days when restaurants across the state were closed in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19. Throughout the mandated closure and subsequent citywide reopening phases, Chef Owners Blade Haddock and James Moore closely monitored cases in the area and weighed the risks of reopening with the possibility of having to close once again. Ultimately, the hospitality veterans determined that reopening would not be an option until they could do so with confidence that the science and data determined a safe environment. (Full Belly Cafe and Bar, 2020)

Throughout the closure, Haddock and Moore have been dedicated to evolving the contemporary American restaurant for reopening, including updated hours and new takeout options. When patrons return on Monday October 5, they will have the option to dine inside the restaurant or be seated on the newly completed covered outdoor patio, which features a fresh 16-foot mural. Reservations will be accepted and walk-ins are always welcome.

Takeout will be available with a curbside pickup option plus cocktails, beer and wine to-go. Signature Drinks, including Full Belly’s Margarita and Maker’s Mark Old Fashioned, will come with all ingredients premixed and ready to be blended or poured over ice to enjoy in the included glassware. Takeaway wine is offered by the bottle, six-pack or case from Full Belly’s eclectic wine list, which is designed to match the menu. Takeout orders can be placed by calling the restaurant at (210) 236-5374.

In addition to seasonal American cuisine with a global spin, freshly baked pastries and a specialty coffee menu are also available for dine-in or to-go. Favorites include Pastry Chef Deanna Lansing’s signature “Belly Puffs,” a cross between a croissant and a cream puff filled with mascarpone Chantilly cream.

Diners can look forward to a menu of chef-forward, sweet and savory items from the daytime menu seven days a week and dinner menu service Wednesday through Saturday. There will be all-day happy hour specials every day as well. Business hours as noted: Sunday Through Tuesday 9a.m. to 3p.m., Wednesday and Thursday 9a.m. to 9p.m. and Friday and Saturday 9a.m. to 10p.m. 

Full Belly adheres to the Texas Restaurant Association’s Texas Restaurant Promise and follows the CDC guidelines for safety and sanitation. Per San Antonio mandate, face coverings are required when not seated and the restaurant will operate with required social distancing at a maximum of 75 percent capacity.

Founded in San Antonio by veteran restaurateurs Blade Haddock and James Moore, Full Belly Cafe and Bar is a contemporary American restaurant with a global spin. Embracing its motto to “Feed your Soul. Fill your Belly,” Full Belly offers a variety of hearty, seasonal dishes alongside an extensive chef influenced bar program and specialty coffee menu for a complete dining experience.

Full Belly Cafe and Bar

427 North Loop 1604 West #202

San Antonio, TX  78232

(210) 236-5374

“We’ve been so moved by the support we’ve received from the community, industry leaders and family and friends, checking in and eagerly awaiting our return. We always said that when it was safe to return, we’d pick the ball back up and run with it, and that’s just what we intend to do.” – James Moore, Full Belly’s Executive Chef Partner

Celebrate National Taco Day at Taco Cabana

Taco Cabana is offering $1 tacos in celebration of National Taco Day. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

This weekend, in celebration of National Taco Day, Taco Cabana is offering a selection of its popular tacos for only $1. This offer is valid on Sunday, October 4, 2020 only. Guests can enjoy their choice of the classic bean and cheese, shredded chicken or ground beef tacos this weekend. $1 tacos are available in restaurant, drive-thru, via mobile order through the MyTC! App and for curbside pick-up. (Taco Cabana, 2020)

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRGI), was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, enchiladas, burritos, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of beer and tequila margaritas, patio dining and drive-thru windows. As of Jan. 1, 2020, Taco Cabana operates 146 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

Pumpkin Spice Roundup – chefs create locally made pumpkin treats

Pumpkin Spice Boba Tea from Bao’d Up. Photo: Julia Keim, used with permission.

Local chefs celebrate Autumn by taking pumpkin spice season to a whole new level. Get cozy and check out some of these locally-made pumpkin spice creations. (Bao’d Up, EVO Entertainment Group, Bakery Lorraine, 2020)

The Pumpkin Pie Bao is made with pumpkin purée, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and pecans all inside a Chinese pumpkin steamed bun. Bao buns are known for being light, fluffy and soft. The filling inside this bao is reminiscent of a freshly-baked pumpkin pie. Ting Lin, Executive Chef and Co-Owner of Bao’d Up, is a first-generation Chinese immigrant who is passionate about adapting traditional Chinese dishes like bao to the American palate in interesting and fun ways. Available for contact-less pick-up and delivery at all four Bao’d Up locations today thru November 30.

Pumpkin Spice Boba Tea is a new favorite fall drink. The creamy iced treat is perfect for a crisp fall day. Shaken with pumpkin syrup and spices, this boba tea is the perfect marriage of Chinese and American favorites, which just happens to be Bao’d Up’s specialty. Available for contact-less pick-up and delivery at all four Bao’d Up locations today thru November 30.

Bao’d Up is a minority-owned Chinese chain with four locations in and around the Austin area. The concept specializes in Bao or Baozi, which is a famous food category in many Asian countries. Bao’d Up uses a variety of different fillings and experiment with new ways of cooking the bao. Co-founded by tech entrepreneur Alex Wu and Chef Ting Lin, the first location opened in Central Austin’s Mueller Aldrich district on July 25, 2017. The restaurant quickly became popular for its fast-casual business model and technology-driven service platforms, including contact-free food lockers.

EVO Entertainment’s Pumpkin Spiked Shake has returned to all open locations for a limited time through Monday, November 30, 2020. The Pumpkin Spiked Shake was the result of a collaborative effort from EVO’s culinary team that returns each fall to the delight of customers. The boozy shake includes vodka and Baileys Pumpkin Spice liqueur and is available for $10.50; a non-alcoholic version of the shake is available for $8.50. 

EVO Entertainment Group® is an Austin based out-of-home entertainment operator comprised of a number of innovative brands including EVO® Entertainment, EVO® Cinemas, and EVO® Concerts. Since its launch in 2014, EVO® has gained a reputation as a leader in innovation, as well as one of the fastest-growing independent cinema circuits in the country. EVO® Entertainment Group currently employs over 1,000 team members and entertains nearly 3 million guests annually.

San Antonio’s nationally-recognized Bakery Lorraine just released their pumpkin spice macaron for Fall 2020. The shell of the macarons are seasoned with a house-made pumpkin spice blend and topped with roasted pumpkin seeds. Between the shells is an irresistible cream cheese buttercream that makes the macarons reminiscent of a pumpkin roulade. The fall-time treat will be available at all four locations of Bakery Lorraine, which stretch across both Austin and San Antonio.  

Bakery Lorraine is a San Antonio favorite and nationally recognized pastry shop famous for its colorful macarons and exquisite French pastries. Owned by chefs Anne Ng, Jeremy Mandrell, and operator Charlie Biedenharn, Bakery Lorraine was named one of the best new bakeries in the U.S. by Food & Wine and CNN’s Eatocracyblog, as well as one of the “13 Destination Bakeries” by Conde Nast Traveler. Bakery Lorraine has three locations in San Antonio including one in the Historic Pearl district, one in San Antonio’s Medical Center, and one in San Antonio’s RIM shopping center, including now an Austin location at Domain NORTHSIDE.

EVO Entertainment Group’s Fall programming and promotional offers

EVO Entertainment Group’s Pumpkin Spiked Shake returns Monday September 7, 2020. Photo: EVO Entertainment Group, used with permission.

EVO Entertainment Group is kicking off the Fall season early with exciting new promotions and screening opportunities. Throughout September, guests can enjoy limited-time promotions such as the return of EVO’s Pumpkin Spiked Shake as well as buy one, get one cheeseburgers for National Cheeseburger Day. In addition, guests can celebrate National Video Game Day with all-day game play deals, as well as enjoy private film screening and on-screen gaming with private theater rentals. (EVO Entertainment Group, 2020)

EVO’s Pumpkin Spiked Shake Returns – Beginning Monday, September 7, 2020, EVO’s Pumpkin Spiked Shake will return to all open locations for a limited time through Monday, November 30, 2020. The Pumpkin Spiked Shake includes vodka and Baileys Pumpkin Spice liqueur and is available for $10.50; a non-alcoholic version of the shake will be available for $8.50.  

National Video Game Day – Saturday, September 12, 2020 – In celebration of National Video Game Day, guests can enjoy unlimited all-day video game play for only $10 at all participating EVO locations.

National Cheeseburger Day – Friday, September 18, 2020 – In honor of National Cheeseburger Day, EVO is offering a buy one, get one free burger deal for all EVO Elevate members at EVO Schertz, Kyle, Springtown and Belterra when purchased through the EVO app.

EVO Film Fest with Jason Faunt & Michael Copon – The EVO Film Fest returns with back-to-back, in-theater events at EVO Belterra (Friday, September 18, 2020) and EVO Schertz (Saturday, September 19, 2020). The special event will feature a screening of Power Rangers Time Force and will be hosted by Power Rangers stars Jason Faunt and Michael Copon. A Q&A session will take place following the conclusion of the movie. Tickets are available online for $15.

Grub & Game Combos – Launching Friday, September 25, EVO Entertainment will be offering a special Grub & Game promotion, pairing select entrees from the EVO Cafe with EVO game cards at a discounted rate. Combinations include: Entree + $10 game card for $15.99 and Entree + $20 game card for $24.99. Entree offerings include Classic Burger, Chicken Tenders, Honey Sriracha Tacos, Chicken and Waffles, Pesto Chicken Flatbread, Philly Cheese steak, 10” Pepperoni Pizza, Fried Shrimp Basket, Classic Caesar with Shrimp or Chicken or Pulled Pork Nachos.

Game on the Big Screen – Available at EVO Springtown and EVO Belterra, guests can instantly book a theater (Belterra) or Flex Room (Springtown) to play video games using their own gaming console for two hours for $54.99.

Private Film Screenings – Now available at all EVO locations, guests are now able to book a private auditorium for up to 20 guests to enjoy a private screening of classic films (i.e. The Goonies, Space Jam, Jurassic Park) for $75, or new releases like The New Mutants, Tenet and others for $165.