Fuzzy's Taco Shop channels cowboy spirit in new menu items
 
February 6, 2026
 
 
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On the Front Burner
 
Levy Restaurants have Super Bowl dining down to a science
 
The Fisherman's Wharf Dungeness Crab Club that will be served at Super Bowl LX seen at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. (Photo by Jessica Christian/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)
(San Francisco Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers/Getty Images)
Levy Restaurants' culinary team, led by Lou Bastian, will manage foodservice for 70,000 Super Bowl attendees at Levi's Stadium, with a menu that will include local ingredients and upscale dishes such as 12-hour smoked pastrami and Dungeness Crab Potachos. The stadium's layout, with multiple kitchens on every suite level, facilitates efficient food distribution, and the culinary team, supported by 2,500 hospitality workers, has planned meticulously to ensure a seamless experience. The team began preparations a week in advance, breaking the massive workload into manageable stages, including marinating, prepping and staging food for peak demand. Real-time analytics, overseen by Levy's E15 Group, will help predict surges in orders and guide minute-by-minute adjustments.
Full Story: San Francisco Chronicle (tiered subscription model) (2/4)
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Restaurant News
 
DQ taps NFL stars for 'Taylor & Swift' Super Bowl campaign
Dairy Queen's 2026 Super Bowl campaign introduces a playful concept by casting NFL players Tyrod Taylor and D'Andre Swift as the duo "Taylor & Swift." The creative twist leverages their shared names with the pop icon to generate buzz, humor and cultural relevance during a period of heightened interest in celebrity appearances at the big game.
Full Story: MediaPost Communications (free registration) (2/5)
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Fuzzy's Taco Shop channels cowboy spirit in new menu items
Fuzzy's Taco Shop has introduced a Wild West-themed menu in partnership with Matthew and Camila McConaughey's Pantalones Organic Tequila. The menu features signature margaritas, such as the Party Pants Margarita and Pants on Fire Margarita, alongside new items like the Texas Brisket Taco and Head Honcho Nachos, says Daniel Camp, Fuzzy's director of culinary.
Full Story: QSR (2/5)
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4x4 Capital acquires Bob Evans, retains leadership team
Investment firm 4x4 Capital has acquired Bob Evans Restaurants from Golden Gate Capital, for an undisclosed amount. Bob Evans CEO Mickey Mills will remain at the helm following the acquisition, and 4x4 Capital cofounder Gustavo Assumpção will take on the role of executive board chair. 4x4 Capital, known for its hands-on approach in consumer-focused sectors, plans to invest in and enhance the operations and guest experience at Bob Evans, which operates about 420 restaurants in 18 states and has been working in recent years to appeal to younger families.
Full Story: FSR magazine (2/5)
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Sweetgreen debuts Build Your Own Bar for large-scale catering
Sweetgreen has introduced the Build Your Own Bar catering format at select locations nationwide, targeting groups from 10 to 10,000. The option allows customers to create a bar with various bases, proteins, toppings and house-made dressings, along with optional upgrades like steak, salmon and avocado, with pricing starting at $200 for 10 people. The move follows similar initiatives by Chipotle Mexican Grill and Cava, as fast-casual restaurants increasingly cater to larger groups.
Full Story: Restaurant Business (2/5)
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Valentine's Day dining expands beyond romantic pairs
Valentine's Day demographics are shifting, with Generation Z leading a move away from traditional couple-centric celebrations. OpenTable's 2026 data shows over half of Americans, and particularly 70% of Gen Z, now consider the holiday an occasion for all kinds of relationships, including friends and family, not just romantic partners. This marks a broader trend toward inclusivity and diversity in how the holiday is celebrated at restaurants.
Full Story: Restaurant Business (2/5)
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Chipotle launches Super Bowl AI ad giveaway
Nation's Restaurant News (free registration) (2/3)
 
 
Wendy's offers $1 burger for National Singles Awareness Day
Nation's Restaurant News (free registration) (2/5)
 
 
 
 
ICYMI: Yesterday's most popular story
 
 
Red Lobster, Vaseline to host NYC Valentine's kissing booth
Nation's Restaurant News (free registration) (2/4)
 
 
 
 
Leading Voices
 
Tommy's Restaurant: A nostalgic haven in Ohio
Tommy's Restaurant in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, remains a nostalgic fixture in Coventry Village, celebrated for its unchanged decor, extensive menu and welcoming atmosphere. Since the early 1970s, Tommy's has offered a unique blend of hearty Midwestern fare and inventive vegetarian options, with many dishes inspired by customer requests. For decades, the restaurant has served as a haven for those seeking acceptance and comfort.
Full Story: Food & Wine (1/27)
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Happy Hour
 
 
Tequila, apple cider, cassis star in the Chimayó cocktail
Food & Wine (1/31)
 
 
Beer cocktails offered fresh takes on classic drinks
InsideHook (1/28)
 
 
Restaurants explore mocktail innovation as alcohol consumption wanes
Nation's Restaurant News (free registration) (2/5)
 
 
 
 
Culinary Spotlight
 
Chipotle wins fans with smaller, high-protein portions
Chipotle Mexican Grill has embraced the smaller-portion trend, which has gained momentum as consumers seek both value and flexibility in their dining choices. The brand's recent introduction of items like a single Adobo Chicken taco and a cup of chicken has resonated with younger guests who prioritize protein but do not necessarily want or need large meals. The shift is partly driven by changing eating habits and the rise in use of GLP-1 drugs, as well as a general desire among customers to avoid wasting food or paying for more than they can finish. Other restaurant chains, such as Olive Garden, have also adopted similar strategies.
Full Story: Restaurant Business (2/4)
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Learn more about trends shaping the restaurant industry this year with the National Restaurant Association's 2026 What's Hot Culinary Forecast.
 
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