Sonic has it, and it may be the first time a burger has been branded with an edible logo.
A lot of food items are associated with the Cajun culture in Acadiana, obviously. But now there's one that literally spells it out, and it may be a first of its kind in the country.
As part of a special promotion that got under way Monday in conjunction with the start of the UL football season, the 25 Sonic restaurants in the Acadiana area are serving a Ragin' Cajuns burger that includes a mixture of spices and ingredients. That's not unusual, of course, but it's what's on top that is the most impressive.
The bun itself carries the "Louisiana's Ragin' Cajuns" logo, in full color, the fleur de lis and the words right there and easily readable. And it's edible, too.
Sonic spokesman Gary Wilkerson, the president of Kergan Brothers - the local franchisee for Sonic with 54 restaurants in Louisiana - said the imprinting of an edible logo on a hamburger bun is a first in the U.S.
"So it's not just a shameless burger promotion," says Wilkerson, who worked for a decade in sports at a Lafayette television station. "It sounds like one, but it's not. We've been trying to find a good fit for a sponsorship for years, and now we've found it. We've seen the edible logo on things like desserts, but as far as we know it's never been on a hamburger bun."
"We wanted a fun and different way to support the Cajuns, and the edible logo seemed like a great fit," says franchisee Ted Kergan. "Putting a school logo on a bun has never been done before, in the area or in any Sonic, so we're excited to offer it on our menu."
The burger features other south Louisiana staples, including a Tabasco brand spicy mayonnaise and a side packet of Tony Chachere's Creole seasoning. Fried and grilled onions and pepper jack cheese give the burger enough of a kick to please even the spice-spoiled South Louisiana palates.
"It's South Louisiana," Wilkerson says. "It's supposed to have a kick."
"Every year we get requests for use of the Ragin' Cajun trademark, but this is the most unique opportunity we've had," says Cajun head coach Mark Hudsepth.
The Ragin' Cajuns burger will be available though at least Dec. 31 and may be continued past that date; the menu item will also be promoted during tailgating activities at each of UL's six home games.