Foodie News
Remembering Pup N’ Taco: The Defunct Fast Food Chain That Left a Flavorful Legacy
When conjuring up memories of Southern California’s vibrant fast food scene, it’s hard not to feel a tinge of nostalgia for the beloved chain, Pup N’ Taco. With its unique menu and quirky branding, Pup N’ Taco was much more than just a place to grab a quick bite; it captured a slice of the culture and spirit of the 60s and 70s. Although this colorful chain has long since closed its doors, its legacy lingers on in the hearts and taste buds of many.
Origins: A Drive-In Dream
Founded in 1956 by Russell Wendell, Pup N’ Taco began as a drive-in restaurant that catered to the ever-growing appetite of Southern Californians for delicious fast food. Russell was no stranger to the food industry; he had already established a successful chain of doughnut shops called Big DoNut, known for their oversized pastries gracing the roofs of drive-in locations across Los Angeles. In 1965, the first Pup N’ Taco was unveiled in Pasadena, marking the official branding of a venture that would soon become a local staple.
A Menu of Marvels
Pup N’ Taco’s menu was eclectic and tantalizing, a reflection of its Southern California roots. Featuring an irresistible assortment, customers could enjoy tacos, tostadas, pastrami sandwiches, burgers, and a variety of hot dogs—hence the charming “pup” in the chain’s name. And let’s not forget the crispy french fries on the side, perfect for mopping up any leftover taco sauce!
To wash it all down, diners had options like R.C. Cola, root beer, and a delightful selection of flavored slushes, making it a one-stop destination for casual dining. The inviting yet casual atmosphere of the drive-in made Pup N’ Taco a family favorite, attracting customers of all ages.
The Rise and Fall of a Fast Food Icon
The popularity of Pup N’ Taco skyrocketed in the early 1970s, with the number of locations expanding rapidly. By January 1972, there were 50 sites across California, and a year later, this number grew to 62, showcasing the chain’s undeniable appeal. Much of the chain’s distinctive aesthetic can be attributed to Russell Wendel Sr., who designed many of the buildings, making them as memorable as the food served inside.
However, the charm of Pup N’ Taco attracted the attention of a larger competitor. In 1984, Taco Bell recognized the value of Pup N’ Taco’s prime real estate locations and purchased 99 of the chain’s stores. This acquisition effectively marked the end of Pup N’ Taco as we knew it, as many locations were rebranded to Taco Bell.
But not all hope was lost! A few operations in Albuquerque, New Mexico, managed to escape the deal and continued to operate under the name Pop ‘N’ Taco until they closed in 2013. These locations kept the spirit of Pup N’ Taco alive for a few extra years, serving up nostalgia alongside the tacos.
Legacy and Fond Memories
Today, the fast food landscape is dominated by familiar giants, but there remains a soft spot in the hearts of many for the quirky charm of Pup N’ Taco. For those who had the pleasure of enjoying a late-night snack or a weekend treat at one of their locations, memories of friendly service, savory tacos, and flavorful slushes will never fade.
While Pup N’ Taco may no longer be in business, its innovative approach to fast food and its dedication to the customer experience paved the way for many future establishments. It serves as a nostalgic reminder of a simpler time in culinary history.
As we look back, let’s celebrate the delightful days of Pup N’ Taco and hold onto the flavors of the past that defined an era in Southern California’s dining culture. Who knows? With the growing trend of retro diner concepts, maybe one day we’ll see the return of the iconic Pup N’ Taco, stirring up the love it once commanded. Until then, we can reminisce about the tasty tacos and nostalgic drive-in experiences that made this chain a cherished memory in the fast-food world.
Pup N’ Taco Relayed Links
(Wikipedia) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pup_%27N%27_Taco
Pup ‘n’ Taco: An Ideal SoCal Fast Food Chain https://www.howtoeatla.com/pup-n-taco-an-ideal-socal-fast-food-chain
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Food and Beverage
Quick Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe Using Foster Farms Precooked Strips
Quick 10-minute teriyaki chicken bowl using Foster Farms precooked chicken strips, store-bought teriyaki sauce, and rice. Fast, easy, and customizable weeknight meal.
Last Updated on December 13, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Grilled Chicken teriyaki rice (Adobe Sock)
When you need a fast, flavorful meal without the fuss, a teriyaki chicken bowl is one of the easiest dishes you can throw together. Using Foster Farms precooked chicken breast strips, store-bought teriyaki sauce, and ready-to-heat rice, you can have dinner on the table in about ten minutes — no chopping, marinating, or complicated prep required.
A Weeknight Staple
This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, work-from-home lunches, or those moments when you want something warm and satisfying without relying on takeout. With precooked chicken, most of the work is already done for you. All you’re really doing is heating, mixing, and assembling.
“A complete teriyaki bowl in ten minutes — no takeout required.”
Ingredients
1–2 cups cooked rice (microwaveable rice packets work great) 1 cup Foster Farms precooked chicken breast strips ¼–½ cup teriyaki sauce, depending on how saucy you like it 1 cup of vegetables (fresh, steamed, or frozen) Optional toppings: sesame seeds, green onion, pineapple chunks, spicy mayo, red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. Prep the Base
Start with your rice. If you’re using microwave rice, it heats up in about 60–90 seconds. Leftover rice works just as well — just warm it in a bowl before assembling the dish.
2. Heat the Chicken
Foster Farms precooked chicken strips make this step incredibly simple. Just heat them in a skillet for a couple of minutes or microwave them for under a minute. Add a few tablespoons of teriyaki sauce and stir to coat the chicken evenly.
3. Add the Vegetables
This bowl works with almost any vegetable you enjoy. Frozen stir-fry mixes are quick and convenient, while steamed broccoli or carrots add color and crunch. Toss the veggies into the pan with the chicken so they absorb the teriyaki flavor.
4. Build Your Bowl
Add your rice to a serving bowl and top it with the teriyaki chicken and vegetables. If you want a richer flavor, drizzle on a little extra teriyaki sauce.
5. Customize With Toppings
Finish with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or a drizzle of spicy mayo. Pineapple adds a sweet touch that pairs perfectly with teriyaki, giving your bowl a subtle Hawaiian twist.
👉 Download the Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe PDF
Why This Recipe Works
What makes this meal so appealing is its flexibility. Use whatever rice you have on hand, swap in your favorite veggies, and adjust the sauce level to your own taste. It’s fast, affordable, and customizable — ideal for anyone looking to simplify their cooking without sacrificing flavor.
Do you have your own fast weeknight recipes or kitchen shortcuts? Share them with us in the comments or tag @STM Daily News on social media. We love spotlighting great ideas from our readers!
The fate of Lucky Supermarkets in SoCal
Further Reading & Resources
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Food and Beverage
Gingerbread Honey Cupcakes: A Sweet Spin on Tradition
Bake up holiday joy with Gingerbread Honey Cupcakes! This easy recipe swaps molasses for raw honey and features a luscious honey cream cheese frosting—perfect for festive gatherings.
Gingerbread Honey Cupcakes: A Sweet Spin on Tradition
(Family Features) In a holiday season crowded with everything from mouthwatering cakes, cookies and pies to “fa-la-la-la” forgettable fruitcakes, the dessert table can bring you comfort and joy or sweet-tooth dismay. Here’s the secret to spicy, sweet cupcakes that “sleigh” at the dessert table: These gingerbread cupcakes with honey cream cheese frosting swap molasses for raw honey to deliver bold flavor and buzzworthy bragging rights. Just like most legendary desserts, every drop of Busy Bee Raw Honey comes with a story. Sourced entirely in the U.S. and tested for safety, quality and three times for purity, it comes with a peel-away back label and Real Honey Code so you can trace your honey’s journey from flower to hive to your holiday dessert table. To bring the journey to your home this holiday season, visit BusyBeeHoney.com to find more inspiration, information and availability.
Gingerbread Cupcakes with Honey Cream Cheese Frosting
Yield: 12 cupcakes- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup Busy Bee Raw Honey
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup Busy Bee Raw Honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4-6 cups powdered sugar
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- Line 12 regular-size muffin cups with paper baking cups.
- In medium bowl, whisk flour, brown sugar, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and salt.
- In large bowl, using hand or stand mixer, beat softened butter and honey until smooth and slightly fluffy, 1-2 minutes. Beat in egg then mix in buttermilk and vanilla until combined.
- Add dry ingredients to wet mixture and stir gently until no streaks of flour remain; don’t overmix.
- Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake 20-22 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center of cupcake comes out clean.
- Let cupcakes cool in pan about 5 minutes then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
- To make frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add honey and vanilla then gradually beat in powdered sugar until fluffy, spreadable and reaching desired sweetness. Chill for firmer consistency before piping or spreading, if desired.
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
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Food and Beverage
The Top Five Butcher Shops in Phoenix: Where Quality Still Matters
Phoenix butcher shops, best butcher shops in Phoenix, Phoenix food, local meat markets, Phoenix small businesses, specialty meats Phoenix, food guide Phoenix, Phoenix shopping, Arizona butchers, STM Daily News food guide
Modern butcher shop. Close up view of minced meat in plate around fresh quality raw meat in fridge of meat shop.
The Top Five Butcher Shops in Phoenix: Where Quality Still Matters
In a world dominated by big-box grocery stores, Phoenix’s neighborhood butcher shops continue to thrive—offering handcrafted cuts, local sourcing, and old-school service. Whether you’re planning a weekend cookout or hunting for a chef-grade steak, these five shops deliver quality and craftsmanship.1. Hobe Meats – A Phoenix Classic
Hobe Meats ( Official site ) is a true old-school butcher: house-aged steaks, custom cuts prepared to order, and staff who know their meat. A popular neighborhood stop, they’ve gained loyal customers for both everyday cuts and specialty requests.2. The Meat Shop – Local, Natural, and Award-Winning
The Meat Shop ( Official site ) focuses on locally sourced, hormone-free meats from Arizona farms and has collected local awards for quality. Expect unique cuts and whole-animal options—perfect for home chefs who prioritize traceability and flavor.3. Meat Shop Butchers – Whole-Animal Craftsmanship
Meat Shop Butchers ( Official site ) practices whole-animal butchery and offers a range of specialty meats including bison, elk, lamb, and goat. This shop is ideal if you’re looking for artisanal butchery, rare cuts, or ethically sourced small-batch meat.4. Block & Apron – Modern, Curated, High-End Meats
Block & Apron ( Official site ) provides a clean boutique butcher experience: consistent, high-quality cuts, curated selections, and ready-to-cook prepared items. They also offer delivery on larger orders—great for busy households and entertaining.5. La Hereford Meat Market – Authentic Carnicería Tradition
La Hereford Meat Market ( Menu/Info ) represents Phoenix’s carnicería tradition—flavorful marinated carne asada, everyday cuts, and a friendly neighborhood vibe. If you want authentic Latino-style meats at good value, this is a go-to local spot.
Portrait of a proud smiling butcher at butcher shop.
Why Phoenix Still Loves Local Butcher Shops
Phoenix shoppers keep supporting neighborhood butchers because these shops offer:- Better quality and freshness than many chain counters
- Custom, handcrafted cuts prepared to your preference
- Access to specialty and exotic meats
- Ethical and local sourcing options
- Personal service and community connection
Clickable Links: Top Butcher Shops in Phoenix
Related STM Daily News Coverage
Want more local coverage? Check these stories:- Local Business features on STM Daily News
- Phoenix food & dining coverage
- Community markets and events — see our coverage of Veggies for Veterans and holiday outreach events.
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