Category: Restaurant News

Taco Cabana introduces ‘La Bandera’ margarita

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with the limited-time margarita, ‘La Bandera’ at Taco Cabana. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Launching May 5, 2021, Cinco de Mayo, Taco Cabana invites TC and MargaritaPalooza fans to celebrate the holiday with the limited-time “La Bandera” Margarita. The “La Bandera” Margarita is layered with Lime, Strawberry, Mango, and Blue Curacao flavors and will be available at all participating Taco Cabana locations in Texas for $3. (Taco Cabana, 2021)

Also launching on May 5, 2021, Taco Cabana guests can enjoy a limited-time food bundle featuring a half-order of Taco Cabana’s Kickin’ Nachos and 12 signature TC chicken flautas for $19.99.

Taco Cabana will continue its signature MargaritaPalooza with 12 other margarita flavors for just $2 all day, every day, including its three classic margarita flavors Lime, Strawberry and Mango. The nine limited-time MargaritaPalooza flavors include*:

  • Pineapple Jalapeño 
  • Dragonfruit 
  • Pickle
  • Violet
  • Orange
  • Pistachio 
  • Orange Cream
  • Chili Lime Cucumber
  • Pineapple Banana

*Guests have the option to add chamoy at no additional cost.

TC guests may also purchase gallon margaritas of Lime, Strawberry and Mango for $34.99.

“Every year, Cinco de Mayo is always a big celebration for Taco Cabana, guests and team members included. This year we combined MargaritaPalooza and the launch of the new ‘La Bandera’ margarita with Cinco de Mayo to make it even more of a celebration. We invite everyone to include TC in their Cinco de Mayo plans whether it be dine-in, takeout or delivery.” – Rich Stockinger, President and CEO of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., parent company of Taco Cabana

Taco Cabana is also creating a series of short videos entitled “In The Kitchen With Taco Cabana,” led by TC corporate chefs, Sergio Remolina and Chelsea Lietz. Each video speaks about a TC favorite, brought home and given a “unique twist” in the kitchen.  Something to make your Cinco de Mayo celebration, or any celebration, slightly more festive with Taco Cabana as your partner. These videos will be available online on Friday, April 30 and will also be featured across TC’s social media. 

All menu items, including MargaritaPalooza margaritas, can be ordered online or via the MYTC! App for convenient curbside pick-up. TC drive-throughs are open for food and alcohol purchases and Taco Cabana dining rooms and patios are open for on-site dining as well. Currently, San Antonio residents can order alcohol and food delivery online or via the Taco Cabana app. Members of the MYTC! Loyalty Program also earn reward points for each alcoholic beverage purchase. 

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, 2021, Taco Cabana operates 143 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.

 

Donate a book on National Book Day at MAX’s Wine Dive

Donate a brand-new children’s book and receive a complimentary dessert. Photo: Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio, used with permission.

Celebrate National Book Day with MAX’s Wine Dive, located in Quarry Village, all day on Friday, April 23, 2021 from 11a.m. to 9p.m. MAX’s Wine Dive is proud to partner with the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio by encouraging guests to bring in brand-new children’s books on National Book Day, which will be donated to the nonprofit dedicated to inspiring youth to achieve their full potential in a safe, positive and engaging environment that promotes education, health and character development. (MAX’s Wine Dive, 2021)

Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio keeps children safe after school and throughout the summer by providing a positive environment where they can learn, play, and grow. Club membership focuses on Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, and Character & Leadership programs that target developmental needs, ensuring every child graduates high school on time with a plan for the future.  

“With a motto like “Together We Will Get Through This,” how could the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio not be a perfect match for MAX’s Wine Dive?” said General Manager Ande McBay. “Our team here believes the same thing – from the pandemic to shutdowns to natural disasters and shortages, together, we’ll get through whatever comes next. So, this National Book Day, we’re committed to instilling that sense of togetherness in the next generation by supporting with something that the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio need the most – new books, games, and puzzles,” added McBay.

With the purchase of an entrée, guests who donate a new children’s book, can indulge in popular MAX’s Wine Dive desserts like the white cherry chip cast iron cookie served with vanilla gelato, flourless chocolate torte, or MAX’s seasonal bread pudding with vanilla gelato, complimentary. Satisfy your sweet tooth while helping the local San Antonio community on National Book Day.    

MAX’s Wine Dive – Quarry Village

340 East Basse Road, Suite 101

San Antonio, Texas 78209  

Pluckers Wing Bar to host NFL Draft Party

Pluckers Wing Bar will be hosting an NFL Draft Party on Thursday, April 29, 2021. Photo: Melissa Skorpil, used with permission.

Pluckers Wing Bar will host an exciting NFL Draft Party on Thursday, April 29 at all Texas locations; draft begins at 7p.m. Each Pluckers location will select specific guests to act as a “general manager” for an NFL team in the first round. The “general manager” will be asked to guess who his or her team will draft, and if the guess is correct, everyone at that Pluckers location will be eligible for an incredible food or drink special, available only until the next team’s pick. Everyone in attendance at the end of the draft who arrived before the 10th pick is eligible to win a $25 gift card. (Pluckers Wing Bar, 2021)

In addition to each location having competitions amongst its guests, all Texas Pluckers locations will also be competing against each other in the NFL Draft Party. If your Pluckers location gets the most correct, five guests will each win a $25 gift card. Specials will include rotating food and drink specials and will go up in value as the draft picks become harder to predict.

Owners Mark Greenberg, Dave Paul, and Sean Greenberg, 2017 Ernst and Young Central Texas Entrepreneurs of the Year opened their first Pluckers restaurant in Austin in 1995. Over the past 25 years, Pluckers Wing Bar has opened 30 locations, expanding to Baton Rouge, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston Killeen, San Marcos, and San Antonio. Pluckers is known for its signature wings and is consistently recognized as the best sports bar and chicken wing restaurant in the cities where it is located. Offering guests a fun, laid-back atmosphere where friends, family, and co-workers can enjoy a great meal and watch sports, Pluckers has been named in USA Today’s “Top Ten Wing Restaurants,” ESPN’s “Top 5 Sports Bar in North America,” and Dallas Observer’s “Best Sports Bar,” along with being named one of “Austin’s Best Places to Work” for three years by Austin Business Journal.

Celebrate Mother’s Day with Taco Cabana

The giveaway’s Grand Prize Winner will receive a private TC On Wheels Patio Pit Stop home visit. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Launching this week, Taco Cabana invites its fans to share why their #MamaNeedsMargaritas on their social media platforms to enter for a chance to win one of 12 great prizes. The #MamaNeedsMargaritas social media giveaway will run through May 10, 2021, and up to 12 winners will be selected and notified on May 12, 2021. To enter, participants must post a photo or video to Facebook or Instagram showing why “mama needs margaritas,” and tagging @TacoCabana and #MamaNeedsMargaritas and #Sweepstakes in their post. (Taco Cabana, 2021)

Entrants into the #MamaNeedsMargaritas giveaway must follow the official Taco Cabana Facebook page and Instagram account. Submissions must be posted using one or both methods of entry between April 19, 2021 and May 10, 2021 at 11:59:59 p.m. CST. Multiple entries are permitted per person, but do not increase the participant’s chances of winning the giveaway prizes. 

Prizes for #MamaNeedsMargaritas include:

  • (1) Grand Prize Winner 
    • The grand prize winner will receive (1) private TC On Wheels Patio Pit Stop home visit, featuring an all-inclusive home catering/fiesta for up to 50 guests. *Offer is valid in Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas only; residents from El Paso will receive (1) private TC experience for 50 at a designated El Paso Taco Cabana location.
  • (1) Second Place Winner 
    • The second place winner will receive (1) private ZOOM kitchen tutorial led by Taco Cabana’s Corporate Chefs showcasing the creation of a fantastic Tex-Mex meal at home using many Taco Cabana items as the foundation. All ingredients for the meal will be supplied by Taco Cabana and delivered to the winner prior to the ZOOM tutorial date.
  • (10) Third Place Winners
    • Up to (10) winners will receive Taco Cabana $50 gift cards.

In addition to the giveaway, guests can enjoy a special Mother’s Day food bundle featuring a half-order of TC Kickin’ Nachos and 12 signature TC chicken flautas for $19.99. Taco Cabana will also continue MargaritaPalooza with 12 margarita flavors for just $2 all day, every day, including the featured Violet margarita that any “mama” is sure to love. The nine limited-time MargaritaPalooza flavors include*:

  • Pineapple Jalapeno 
  • Dragonfruit 
  • Pickle
  • Violet
  • Orange
  • Pistachio 
  • Orange Cream
  • Chili Lime Cucumber
  • Pineapple Banana

Taco Cabana also offers its three classic margarita flavors for $2, including Lime, Strawberry and Mango. *Guests have the option to add chamoy at no additional cost. 

All menu items, including MargaritaPalooza margaritas, can be ordered online or via the MYTC! App for convenient curbside pick-up. TC drive-throughs are open for food and alcohol purchases and Taco Cabana dining rooms and patios are open for on-site dining as well. Currently, San Antonio residents can order alcohol and food delivery online or via the Taco Cabana app. Members of the MYTC! Loyalty Program also earn reward points for each alcoholic beverage purchase. 

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, 2021, Taco Cabana operates 143 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.

Pluckers Wing Bar to open concession inside Austin FC Stadium

Pluckers Wing Bar will have a concession stand inside the Q2 Stadium. Photo: Melissa Skorpil, used with permission.

Pluckers Wing Bar, Texas’ favorite sports bar and wing restaurant, is excited to announce their Austin expansion with a concession location inside the soon-to-be-opened Q2 Stadium, the new home of Austin FC, the 27th club in Major League Soccer (MLS). Known for its famous wings served with a choice of more than 20 homemade sauces, Pluckers is thrilled to bring their cult-favorite wings, waffle fries, and buffalo bites to Austin FC fans as their official and exclusive wings partner. (Pluckers Wing Bar, 2021)

Pluckers’s famous wings are offered in-bone or boneless, grilled, and paired with signature sauces, like Buffalo, Spicy BBQ, and Spicy Ranch, along with such unique flavors as Ginger Peach Sriracha, Gochujang, and Spicy Mandarin. The iconic Pluckers menu at their additional locations includes fan favorites such as Fried Pickles, Holy Macaroni, the Bypass Burger, and the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich. 

As part of their partnership with Austin FC, Pluckers will gift everyone in attendance at home games with a coupon for five free wings when Austin FC scores first. Throughout the season, Pluckers will host watch parties at their additional seven Austin locations, as well as host events with Austin FC players. Additional details on player events to be announced in the coming months.

The Pluckers Wing Bar concession stand will be in the Southeast corner of Q2 Stadium’s main concourse level behind Section 135.

Owners Mark Greenberg, Dave Paul, and Sean Greenberg opened their first Pluckers restaurant in Austin in 1995. Over the past 25 years, Pluckers Wing Bar has opened 30 locations, expanding to Baton Rouge, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston Killeen, San Marcos, and San Antonio. Pluckers is known for its signature wings and is consistently recognized as the best sports bar and chicken wing restaurant in the cities where it is located. Offering guests a fun, laid-back atmosphere where friends, family, and co-workers can enjoy a great meal and watch sports, Pluckers has been named in USA Today’s “Top Ten Wing Restaurants,” ESPN’s “Top 5 Sports Bar in North America,” and Dallas Observer’s “Best Sports Bar,” along with being named one of “Austin’s Best Places to Work” for three years by Austin Business Journal.

Austin FC  joined Major League Soccer (MLS) as the 27th club in January 2019. Austin FC will officially begin play in 2021 in the new, 100% privately financed, $260 million, state-of-the-art Q2 Stadium in Austin. Austin FC operates Austin FC Academy, the fully funded developmental academy representing the highest level of competition for elite youth soccer players in Central Texas, while serving as the exclusive developmental pathway to MLS for the region’s most talented young players.

“Austin has waited years for a major league team and Pluckers is extremely proud to sponsor a first-class organization such as Austin FC. Not only will we be extending our five free wings promotion to the soccer matches, if Austin FC scores first, but Pluckers has also been chosen as one of the select Austin restaurants to operate a food stand inside Q2 Stadium.” – Dave Paul, co-owner of Pluckers Wing Bar

La Panadería Debuts Third Location at La Cantera Heights on Friday April 2

José and David Cáceres of La Panadería will be opening a third location at the new La Cantera Heights. Photo: Giant Noise for La Panadería, used with permission.

La Panadería is thrilled to announce the official opening date for their highly-anticipated third location at the new La Cantera Heights retail development. Located at 17030 La Cantera Parkway (Building 300), La Panadería’s latest location will open Friday, April 2 from 7a.m. to 3 p.m., bringing their artisanal baked goods to San Antonio’s Northwest side for the first time. (La Panadería, 2021)

The 4,200 square foot indoor/outdoor restaurant will feature signature favorites like the Chicken Milanesa Torta and La Panadería’s beloved pan dulce, including Chef David Cáceres’ new Croissant Trilogy, featuring the Tequila Almond Croissant, Tres Leches Croissant, and their new “Elvis” Croissant — made with peanut butter whipped cream, banana, and bacon. These three products have been meticulously curated and created by Chef David, La Panadería’s head baker, to reflect the best of French, Mexican and American baking traditions.

La Panadería’s La Cantera Heights location will offer breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner options and will also include an extended bar program. Highlights of the extended beverage menu include “Besos” (house blend margaritas, frozen margarita, and Frosé), boozy coffee specialties such as the Carajillo (Espresso + Liquor 43), the Frida Kahlo (Espresso + Kahlua), the Paolo Rossi (Espresso + Grand Marnier), select wines from Texas, California and France, and brunch cocktail and mimosa kits.

Starting Friday, April 2, La Panadería will operate from 7a.m. to 3p.m. throughout the weekend and will transition to full operational hours (7a.m. to 8p.m.) daily starting Monday, April 5. La Panadería will continue to practice COVID-safe protocols, requiring all guests and staff to wear masks when not actively eating or drinking at their tables and implementing extensive cleaning procedures.

Since opening La Panadería in San Antonio in 2014, the Cáceres brothers’ mission has been to share Mexico’s “Bread Cultura,” bringing the art of their beloved pan dulce items to the Texas market that has since become a culinary staple for residents and visitors to San Antonio alike. La Panadería has seen great success in San Antonio and has shown resilience throughout the uncertain times of the global coronavirus pandemic. The bakery, which specializes in handmade bread, pan dulce and pastries inspired by Mexico’s Golden Era, or Epoca de Oro, draws influence from French, Italian and American bread making techniques. La Panadería’s unique approach to breadmaking includes a minimum 48-hour fermentation process that results in artisan bread and pastries unlike any other. All three of La Panadería’s locations offer indoor and al fresco dining as well as online ordering.

“2020 was one of the most challenging years for everyone, especially for the restaurant industry, and we are still in uncharted territory in 2021. However, we believe in our beloved San Antonio, its resilient economy and the support of our local community. Our La Panadería family looks forward to welcoming new and returning guests to our La Cantera Heights location!” – co-founder of La Panadería Jose Cáceres

Whataburger’s Buffalo Ranch Chicken lineup

Whataburger’s Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.

Whataburger is bringing back the fan-favorite Buffalo Ranch Chicken Strip Sandwich and upping its salad game with a new Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad and a fresh take on the classic Cobb Salad. (Whataburger, 2021)

The Buffalo Ranch Chicken Strip Sandwich delivers a perfectly spicy taste you cannot get anywhere else. It is layered with three crispy, all-white meat Whatachick’n Strips, two slices of Monterey Jack, zesty Buttermilk Ranch, and Whataburger’s one-of-a-kind Buffalo Sauce on a five-inch bun. 

The Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad offers the balanced spice of the sandwich in a fresh salad topped with blue cheese. It is built on a bed of Red Roma lettuce blend and includes shredded carrots, three crispy bacon strips cut into pieces, grape tomatoes, Whataburger’s one-of-a-kind Buffalo Sauce drizzle, and blue cheese crumbles, with a side of Buttermilk Ranch Dressing. It comes with your choice of a diced Grilled Chicken, Whatachick’n or Spicy Chicken filet.

Whataburger’s new Cobb Salad comes with your choice of a warm, diced Grilled Chicken, Whatachick’n or Spicy Chicken filet, on a bed of Red Roma lettuce blend topped with shredded carrots, shredded cheddar cheese, three crispy bacon strips cut into pieces, grape tomatoes, and a sliced hard-boiled egg.

The Buffalo Ranch Chicken Strip Sandwich and the Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad are available now for a limited time. The Cobb Salad is new to the menu. Customers can still order any salad made to order, just like they like it. Prices vary by market.

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.

Easter offerings from local businesses

Bakery Lorraine will be offering several Easter treats. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

Easter is right around the corner, and whether you are planning a socially distant picnic or a small gathering with family, these San Antonio favorites can help make your celebration memorable. (Bakery Lorraine, EVO Entertainment, Twang, 2021)

Bakery Lorraine – This year Bakery Lorraine will offer a festive Easter themed dessert box. This box is available for $28 and includes the following treats:

  • 2 Egg shaped Moonpies
  • 1 Chocolate Nest Tart
  • 1 Bunny Tart
  • 1 Lemon Blueberry Tart

Bakery Lorraine will also offer a delightfully decorated spring themed Carrot Cake for $65. Both items are only available by pre-ordering through Bakery Lorraine’s website under the “Custom Orders” tab. The last day to place an order is Wednesday, 3/31 by noon. Items are available for pickup on Saturday 4/3 and Sunday 4/4 starting at 9a.m. at all Bakery Lorraine locations. Bakery Lorraine will continue to offer its signature Easter treats for in-store or online pickup on Friday 4/2 through Sunday 4/4 at all locations until items sell out. Items include:

  • Egg shaped Moonpies $4
  • Chocolate Nest Tart $6
  • Bunny Tart $6
  • Lemon Blueberry Tart $6

EVO Entertainment – EVO will be hosting Easter-themed pajama pancake parties at the Schertz, Springtown, Belterra and Kyle locations on Saturday, April 3 at 9:30a.m. Kids can enjoy screenings of the festive movie, “Hop” while chowing down on a stack of pancakes from EVO’s specialty menu, which includes Classic, Cookies and Cream, Strawberry, and Birthday Cake pancakes. Tickets will be available online.

Recipes from Twang Partners

Wow your friends and family with these light and fresh appetizers/sides from Twang.

Cucumber Avocado Chili Lime Roll

Ingredients:

  • 1 avocado
  • ¼ of cream cheese block (4 oz.)
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • 2 tsp of lime juice
  • 3 tbsp. of pine nuts
  • 1 tbsp. of ZAS Chili Lime (and a dash for garnish)
  • 1 cucumber
  • Mandolin or potato peeler

Preparation:

  • Toss all ingredients (except cucumber) in a blender or food processor. Or if you want to be traditional do it by hand, finely mince garlic and mash ingredients together with a fork until smooth and creamy. Let the mixture sit in a refrigerator for 10 minutes.
  • Use a mandolin or potato peeler to cut long thin strips from the cucumber. Be sure to leave the skin for pretty color.
  • Take a cucumber strip and spread a thin layer of the avocado mixture along the length of the strip. A little goes a long way so be mindful. Make sure the spread goes all the way to the end so that it sticks once rolled.
  • Roll it up! No toothpicks needed. Sprinkle on a dash of ZAS Chili Lime Seasoning to give it more presentation.

Tamarind Tomatillo Watermelon Salad

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups of watermelon, chopped bite sized
  • 8 strawberries, chopped bite sized
  • 1 cup of tomatillos, chopped bite sized
  • 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 ½ tbsp. of fresh lime juice
  • ZAS! Tamarind Super-Seasoning

Preparation:

  • Put watermelon, strawberries, tomatillo, and onions in a bowl and gently toss.
  • Drizzle olive oil and lime juice and gently toss once more.
  • Sprinkle on ZAS! Tamarind Super-Seasoning and serve immediately

San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance mobilizes restaurants to feed South Texans

La Panaderia was one of 17 local restaurants that helped feed South Texans after devastating winter storms. Photo: La Panaderia, used with permission.

After an unprecedented winter storm devastated San Antonio in mid-February, the South Texas food and beverage community quickly organized to provide relief. To help, the San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance (SAFWA) collaborated with World Central Kitchen, Good Match, and Hopscotch to provide more than 8,600 free meals to neighbors in need. (San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance, 2021)

The relief efforts were focused on vulnerable residents living in San Antonio’s District 5, many of whom experienced power outages for 1-4 days. Working with Councilwoman Shirley Gonzales, the Alliance arranged meal delivery to 21 community sites.

“The San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance stepped up when District 5 needed help the most,” said Gonzales. “When so many of our neighbors were stranded with no food, water, or electricity, we relied on the Alliance to feed our most vulnerable. Their network of selfless community members became a lifeline. Their energy was our fuel, and their quick response was our inspiration.”

Although the Alliance’s work typically focuses on its culinary grant and educational programs, it realized the city would need all hands on deck. The nonprofit utilized its network in San Antonio’s culinary community to ensure hundreds of free meals could be prepared per day. The hospitality industry is still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, but San Antonio’s food and beverage professionals were eager to join the efforts.

Meal deliveries were made possible by dozens of community volunteers, including representatives from the San Antonio Housing Authority and the San Antonio Fire Department. The initiative even drew the support of some high-profile helpers like U.S. Congressman Joaquin Castro, Bexar County Commissioner Justin Rodriguez, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, and actor and activist Eva Longoria.

In total, 17 local restaurants, food trucks, and caterers distributed free meals February 20-23. Participants included:

• Botika
• Chelsea Catering/ Tony G’s Soul Food
• Full Belly Café + Bar
• The Good Kind
• Grupo La Gloria
• Guerrilla Gourmet
• Hello Paradise
• J’Dubs Burgers & Grub
• La Panadería
• Little Em’s Oyster Bar
• Meadow Neighborhood Eatery + Bar
• Naco Mexican
• Pedrotti’s Ranch
• Pharm Table
• Southerleigh Hospitality Group
• Teka Molino
• Toro Kitchen + Bar

The San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance was established in 2020, following a near-decade of success with the Austin Food & Wine Alliance. Even though the organization expanded in San Antonio just last year and will focus on culinary grants, educational programs, and events, the nonprofit jumped in quickly to support the city during its time of need.

“When a crisis hits, folks who want to help go with what they know. Our expertise is in bringing people together. We have an enormous amount of gratitude for the folks who were able to help. Despite the many challenges they were facing with their own businesses and in their own lives, so many people in the hospitality industry enthusiastically lent a helping hand. It has been an incredibly inspiring thing to see.” – Mariam Parker, SAFWA executive director

Pluckers Wing Bar to host ‘March Badness’ for the 2021 NCAA Basketball Men’s Tournament

Pluckers Wing Bar is bringing back their famous ‘March Badness’ competition for the 2021 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament. Photo: Melissa Skorpil, used with permission.

In celebration of March Madness, Pluckers Wing Bar will bring back their famous “March Badness” competition and offer Lucky Longshot specials during the Final Four for the 2021 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament. (Pluckers Wing Bar, 2021)

*** Update: brackets will be available to download online; however, fans will need to print out their bracket form and drop off the filled form at their closest Pluckers location to be eligible to enter the “March Badness” competition.

Pluckers is flipping the typical March Madness festivities upside down for a unique “March Badness” competition. The contest will only run online for the second round of the tournament, Thursday, March 18 and Friday, March 19, and participants will be asked to choose the losers of the games rather than the winners. One winner who correctly chooses each of the losers will win a $1,000 Pluckers gift card.

Brackets will be available to fill out online and will be posted the Sunday night after the tournament bracket is announced. Pluckers Club members will have the opportunity to fill out a second entry via the app.

Once the Sweet 16 has been set, Pluckers will assign a special to the four lowest seeded teams. If any of the four teams reach the Final Four, Pluckers will feature that special during the Final Four on Saturday, April 3.

Throughout the tournament, from the first round on Monday, March 15 to the finals on Monday, April 5, Pluckers will offer $1 off 34-oz Michelob Ultras and Bud Lights for dine-in guests.

Owners Mark Greenberg, Dave Paul, and Sean Greenberg, 2017 Ernst and Young Central Texas Entrepreneurs of the Year, opened their first Pluckers restaurant in Austin in 1995. Over the past 25 years, Pluckers Wing Bar has opened 30 locations, expanding to Baton Rouge, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston Killeen, San Marcos, and San Antonio. Pluckers is known for its signature wings and is consistently recognized as the best sports bar and chicken wing restaurant in the cities where it is located. Offering guests a fun, laid-back atmosphere where friends, family, and co-workers can enjoy a great meal and watch sports, Pluckers has been named in USA Today’s “Top Ten Wing Restaurants,” ESPN’s “Top 5 Sports Bar in North America,” and Dallas Observer’s “Best Sports Bar,” along with being named one of “Austin’s Best Places to Work” for three years by Austin Business Journal.