SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio food businesses selling beignets, bedazzled sweet treats and colorful fruit cups were recently provided full-time locations in Frost Bank Center to keep Spurs fans satisfied during games. Now the arena is looking for its next potential additions.
The Spurs Culinary Residency Program, a collaboration between the NBA franchise and facility services provider Aramark, is gearing up for a fourth year and looking for Alamo City restaurants to showcase at Frost Bank's concession stands this year. Twelve eateries will be chosen, and the deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. on August 2.
Selected restaurants will take turns being featured, with the chance to sell their dishes and drinks to fans at up to nine home games in the upcoming season, according to a press release. The Spurs Culinary Residency Program also offers professional development opportunities to selected applicants, with a focus on social media strategy, marketing and money management.
"The city has such a vibrant local food scene and there's always more to discover," Kevin Baker, associate director of culinary experience for Spurs Sports & Entertainment, said in the release. "By expanding the program from eight to 12 restaurants we can give more fans the experience of trying our city’s unique flavors while supporting the entrepreneurial spirit that makes San Antonio special."
Previous participants in the initiative include local favorites like La Panaderia, Howzit Hawaiian Kitchen and Baklovah Bakery. The application requires restaurants to share a brief history of their business, their most recent health inspection and why they're interested in being selected.