Taco Cabana Donation to Fund Holiday Trips and Gifts for Soldiers and Families at Warrior and Family Support Center

SAN ANTONIO, Nov. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Taco Cabana® presented a $63,596 donation to the Warrior and Family Support Center (WFSC), a one-of-a-kind national rehabilitation center located at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. The donation will help the Center assist recovering military members and their families to take trips during the holiday season, as well as help fund holiday gifts for soldiers and their families.

The money was raised through a fundraising effort at Taco Cabana restaurants during the month of October, where guests received a coupon book worth $5 in exchange for each $1 donation.

"Taco Cabana is thankful to all of our guests who were so generous during the month of October. It's because of them that we're able to show our gratitude with this donation to those who have given so much to our country," said Todd Coerver, Taco Cabana's chief marketing officer. "With 100 percent of this donation going directly to support WFSC families this holiday season, along with our guests we are grateful to know that as a community we're able to make such a difference during the holidays for these families."

Support for the WFSC is part of a company-wide community giving initiative Taco Cabana launched in October focused on honoring members of the military and their families. All Taco Cabana restaurants, as well as employees at its corporate offices in San Antonio, will participate in programs throughout the year that illustrate the company's commitment to giving back to those who serve this country, including offering a 20% military discount year-round at its restaurants.

"All of us here at the WFSC are thankful for corporate citizens like Taco Cabana," said Judith Markelz, Director of the WFSC. "The men and women who come here with their families during their medical treatment have sacrificed so much for our country, and their recovery process is aided by support from contributions like this one. Because of this generous donation, we'll be able to provide many of our wounded warriors and their families with gifts and give them the ability to visit family and friends for the holidays."

Taco Cabana's next fundraising program is slated for May 2012 to celebrate military members and their families during Military Appreciation Month, just in time for Memorial Day weekend.

About the Warrior and Family Support Center

The Warrior and Family Support Center (WFSC) provides coordinated services to wounded warriors, next-of-kin and extended family members, offering a friendly, comfortable environment for military families to reconnect during medical treatment. The only one of its kind in the Army, the WFSC allows wounded warriors and their family members to receive emotional support and answers to their questions, and to extend their rehabilitation away from the hospital. The $5.6 million WFSC facility was built in 2008, funded solely by donations, and is staffed by volunteers. The Center gives families a place to take a break, watch a movie on big-screen TV's, play video games, check email or use the Internet, select a book or magazine to read, make a phone call or just grab a cup of coffee.

About Taco Cabana®: The Flavors of Mexico

In 1978, Taco Cabana began as a taco stand in San Antonio, with the unique recipes and ingredients that reflect our rich Mexican culture and food. With more than 156 restaurants in 3 states, Taco Cabana continues to redefine the Mexican fast-casual dining experience through ongoing menu and service enhancements. We are committed to providing our guests the true flavors of Mexico, served up in a relaxing, patio cafe environment. From our kitchens daily fresh-made tortillas and handmade salsas to our flame-grilled fajitas and refreshing margaritas, our commitment to quality lives on, making Taco Cabana one of the region's most enduring and beloved Mexican food brands. Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter for offers and updates from Taco Cabana or for more information, please visit www.tacocabana.com.

Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc.

Taco Cabana is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc., which is one of the largest restaurant companies in the United States. Carrols operates three restaurant brands in the quick-casual and quick-service restaurant segments with 550 company-owned and operated restaurants in 16 states. Carrols is also the largest Burger King® franchisee, based on number of restaurants.  In the Carrols' family of companies, Fiesta Restaurant Group owns and operates two Hispanic brands, Pollo Tropical® and Taco Cabana®. Carrols announced plans earlier this year to spin-off Fiesta Restaurant Group as a stand-alone company.

SOURCE Taco Cabana