Cheez-It and Popeyes Unite for Epic Georgia vs. Tennessee Game Day Experience
The highly anticipated showdown between the No. 11 University of Georgia Bulldogs and the No. 6 Tennessee Volunteers is set to ignite Sanford Stadium this November. This critical matchup holds significant implications for Georgia's College Football Playoff aspirations. But the pre-game excitement is reaching unprecedented levels thanks to two unlikely culinary powerhouses: Cheez-It and Popeyes.
Cheez-It's Cheez Wheelz Food Truck: A Tailgate Sensation
Cheez-It has unveiled its innovative Cheez Wheelz food truck, designed specifically to elevate the tailgating experience to new heights. This custom-built culinary creation offers a menu brimming with Cheez-It-inspired dishes, guaranteeing a unique and satisfying game-day fuel-up. The star attraction is undoubtedly the Smash Cheez-Burger, a delicious nod to the brand's original Cheez-In Diner. For those wanting to show their team spirit, the UGA-inspired Georgia Bark-B-Q Cheez-Burger stands out with its Original Cheez-It cracker-infused patty, Pepper Jack Mac and Cheez-It topping, and a fiery Hot & Spicy Cheez-It BBQ sauce. Other menu highlights include the Original Extra Cheez-Burger—a smashburger loaded with pimento cheese and a giant Cheez-It cracker—and the Chili Mac & Cheez-It Dog.
Menu Highlights:
- Smash Cheez-Burger (with Georgia Bark-B-Q option)
- Original Extra Cheez-Burger
- Penn Steak Cheez-Burger
- Chili Mac & Cheez-It Dog
- Cheezy Pickle Dip
The Cheez Wheelz truck isn't limited to just Athens. It's also making stops at other major college football games and will even be present at the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl in Orlando on New Year's Eve. For fans unable to attend these events, Cheez-It has generously released the recipe for the Original Extra Cheez-Burger, bringing the tailgate experience directly into their kitchens.
Popeyes Wing Truck: Fueling the Football Frenzy
Adding to the culinary extravaganza is Popeyes' Wing Truck Tailgate Tour, a collaborative effort with DoorDash. This tour is bringing Popeyes' renowned wings to college football tailgates nationwide, and Athens is lucky enough to be on the itinerary. This Saturday, November 16th, fans can find the Wing Truck at the Classic Center, offering a delicious array of wings and a vibrant atmosphere with games, music, and photo opportunities. This event is expected to enhance the overall game-day experience, bringing fans together to enjoy great food and memorable moments. Popeyes' Chief Marketing Officer, Bart LaCount, stated in a press release: "By bringing our wings to watch parties and tailgates across the country, we’re not only serving up those bold, Louisiana flavors our fans know and love, but also making sure that Popeyes is at the heart of every football celebration."
A Perfect Storm of Game Day Grub
The combination of Cheez-It's innovative food truck and Popeyes' wing truck in Athens for the Georgia vs. Tennessee game creates a unique opportunity for fans to enjoy a truly memorable pre-game experience. This event not only satisfies the cravings for delicious food but also provides a lively environment that promotes camaraderie and excitement before the big game. The presence of both food trucks promises to create a culinary experience unlike any other, setting the stage for a thrilling Saturday afternoon of football.
The Ultimate Game Day Recipe: A Cheez-It Smashburger
For those wishing to recreate the magic at home, here's a glimpse into the recipe for an Original Extra Cheez-Burger: begin by smashing a beef patty on a hot griddle, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. After flipping, add a generous scoop of Pimento Cheese Cheez-It mix. Next, butter and toast your buns on the griddle. Layer pickles on the bottom bun, add the smashburger with the Pimento Cheese Cheez-It mix, and top with the buttery bun. A final touch—a large Extra Big Cheez-It cracker secured with a bamboo pick. Enjoy!
This isn't Cheez-It's first foray into game-day culinary creations; their May launch of the Cheez-In Diner in Woodstock, New York, generated an immense buzz and showcased their ability to turn a simple snack into unforgettable meals. The diner even accepted Cheez-It crackers as currency for the jukebox! Such success underscores their commitment to innovation and fan engagement.
The success of both food trucks and their unique approaches to game-day food is a testament to the power of creative marketing and the enduring appeal of beloved snack brands. These events have undoubtedly created a new standard for pre-game tailgating experiences. This unique combination of classic game-day food and innovative presentation is expected to set the stage for future exciting collaborations, ensuring that college football tailgates continue to be elevated experiences for fans everywhere. The next tailgate will surely be a blast!
