NATIONAL FAJITA DAY
On August 18, we recognize a dish sizzling with savory Tex-Mex flavor. It’s National Fajita Day!
Originally made from throwaway cuts of beef by Mexican vaqueros in Southwest Texas, the fajita was developed as a regional staple in the early 1930s. These cowboys cooked the steak over an open fire or grill and served it with flour or corn tortillas. Fresh Pico de gallo, guacamole and southwestern spices elevated the fajita, introducing it to new audiences as it later became a destination food in the culinary world.
As their popularity grew, fajitas added colorful flair to Tex-Mex menus with sizzling platters full of bright peppers, onions, tender steak, shrimp, chicken or pork with freshly made tortillas. By the 1980s, most Mexican restaurants in the United States served fajitas. In the modern culinary kitchen, lime, cilantro and a plethora of vegetables find their way into a fajita along with the perfect seasonings. Grilling with mesquite adds a smoky flavor and bacon adds crunch. Of course, who could forget the cheese? With their festive presentations, they continue to be enjoyed today. The fajita has come a long way from skirt steak trimmings!
With festive presentations, fajitas delicious flavors are being celebrated around the world. The fajita has come a long way from skirt steak trimmings!
HOW TO OBSERVE
Celebrate National Fajita Day by going out for fajitas with a friend and use #NationalFajitaDay to share on social media.
HISTORY
On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina founded National Fajita Day in 2016 to celebrate the sizzling Tex-Mex flavor of the fajita! On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina is the world’s largest Mexican casual dining brand, offering an extensive menu of great-tasting, classic and contemporary Mexican food, like sizzling mesquite-grilled fajitas, and Margaritas as big and bold as the border itself. On The Border is owned by Border Holdings, LLC, with more than 150 restaurants in 34 states, Puerto Rico, Asia and the Middle East. Follow and ‘like’ On The Border on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OnTheBorderMexicanGrillandCantina, and @OnTheBorder on Twitter. For more information, visit www.ontheborder.com. The Registrar at National Day Calendar approved National Fajita Day in July of 2016.
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Media Contact
Jessica Chacoff 08/15/2016 888.869.7899 Jessica@inklinkmarketing.com
Sizzling New Holiday to Make its National Debut at On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina®
The First-Ever National Fajita Day Takes Place on Thursday, August 18th at all Locations
DALLAS, TX – On The Border knows that nothing says “celebration” quite like the fiery-crackle of the cast iron skillet AND the aroma of delicious-smelling sizzling, grilled-to-order fajitas. So now, they’re making sure the dish itself has its very own holiday. National Fajita Day will take place for the first time ever on Thursday, Aug. 18, at On The Border (OTB) locations across the country, with fajita specials designed to get everyone fired up about this classic regional Mexican favorite.
“Our mesquite-grilled fajitas always meet with ooohs and aaahs as they make their way from the kitchen to the dining room or OTB Patio – and this holiday is designed to take that excitement to its fullest,” said Ashley Zickefoose, Chief Marketing Officer with On The Border.
The festive restaurant brand’s signature Fajita Grill includes a wide variety of savory fajita recipes featuring chicken, steak, or shrimp, or even more creative combos like grilled Portobello mushroom and vegetables, shredded pork carnitas, or Monterey Ranch Chicken with Monterey Jack cheese, bacon and ranch dressing. All are served with handpressed to order flour tortillas, and guests can choose from such toppings as sour cream, pico de gallo, cheese, or guacamole.
“Over the last 10 years of working with the brand, I have learned the art of mastering the perfect, authentic fajita for our guests to enjoy.” said Brian Campbell, Director of Culinary and R&D with On The Border. “That’s why our fajita entrées make up a whopping quarter percent of our sales. Now you can see why we don’t take this holiday lightly.” According to industry reports, On The Border sells more fajita entrees than any other casual dining restaurant.
In fact, Campbell isn’t the only one who has perfected the art of the Sizzling OTB fajita. Chef’s in all restaurant locations have to be “Fajita Sizzling Certified” ensuring they know how to cut the meat, season it properly and present all guests with OTB-level standards of fajita perfection – 100% of the time.
In honor of National Fajita Day, whether dining in or on the patio, guests can enjoy a $9.99 Fajita bundle that includes a choice of Chicken, Vegetables, or Carnitas Classic Fajitas, a cup of Queso cheese dip, and two Sopapillas for dessert. Guests may also choose to upgrade their bundle to steak or shrimp for just $2 more. Don’t skip the party, though! This offer is good all day, dine-in only.
“Fajitas aren’t just tasty – they’re a full-scale celebration,” Zickefoose added. “On The Border has been the spot for fajita festivities since 1982, which is why we’re the ultimate place to come for the first-ever National Fajita Day on August 18th.”
About On The Border On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina is the world’s largest Mexican casual dining brand, offering an extensive menu 08 Fall of great-tasting, classic and contemporary Mexican food, like sizzling mesquite-grilled fajitas, and Margaritas as big and bold as the border itself. On The Border is owned by Border Holdings, LLC, with more than 150 restaurants in 34 states, Puerto Rico, Asia and the Middle East. Follow and ‘like’ On The Border on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OnTheBorderMexicanGrillandCantina, and @ontheborder on Twitter. For more information, visit www.ontheborder.com.
