Buns Over Texas Heads to the Orange Bowl Burger Battle, Carrying West Texas Pride to Miami
When the phone rang and the voice on the other end said they were calling from the Orange Bowl, Mark Hutchens figured someone was messing with him. After all, it’s not every day a local burger joint in Lubbock, Texas gets invited to compete on a national stage.
But this wasn’t a prank - it was the real deal. Buns Over Texas, the family-run restaurant that’s been serving up burgers for more than three decades, is officially headed to Miami to represent Lubbock and Texas Tech in the 2026 Orange Bowl Burger Battle.
And for Hutchens, this moment means more than just burgers.
From Lubbock to the Limelight
On January 1, 2026, Buns Over Texas will set up shop at Hard Rock Stadium during the Capital One Orange Bowl Fan Fest. It’s part of a unique culinary showdown where chefs from the cities represented in the bowl game - this year, that includes Texas Tech and the winner of Oregon vs. James Madison - go head-to-head in a burger battle judged by a panel of food experts.
For Hutchens, it was an easy yes.
“I got a call, and they said there’s a guy from the Orange Bowl that wants to talk to me about cooking hamburgers,” Hutchens recalled. “I’m thinking, ‘Which one of my friends is pulling a joke on me?’” But after a follow-up email confirmed the offer, Hutchens was all in.
Now, he’s set to represent not just his restaurant, but the entire Lubbock community and Texas Tech fanbase on one of college football’s biggest stages.
A Battle Worth More Than Burgers
This invitation carries extra weight for Hutchens and his family. In 2023, he was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma and began chemotherapy.
Last year was a grind - physically, emotionally, and professionally. There were stretches when he couldn’t even leave the house.
“Last year was pretty tough for me,” Hutchens said. “There were times I couldn’t leave the house.
It’s been a roller coaster, but I feel pretty good now. So, we’re really excited that I can even go to the Orange Bowl this year, because this time last year, there’s no way I could have.”
Through it all, the Buns Over Texas team - family and staff alike - stepped up in a big way. Mark’s son, David Hutchens, credits their employees for keeping the restaurant running strong during the toughest moments.
“Everybody else treated this restaurant like it was theirs,” David said. “Everybody really pulled together and it was a huge blessing for us.”
33 Years of Burgers, Built on Family and Consistency
Buns Over Texas isn’t just a burger joint - it’s a Lubbock institution. Mark Hutchens originally studied accounting at Texas Tech and worked as a CPA, but the restaurant business was in his blood. His father and uncles had owned restaurants across Lubbock, Pampa, and Amarillo, and in 1992, the Hutchens family bought the building at 3402 73rd Street, formerly Southern Sea.
They opened Buns Over Texas on August 3, 1992. The first day?
Rough. Just 10 customers.
The early days were a grind, but a coupon campaign in the local paper helped turn things around. From there, it snowballed.
Now, after more than three decades, the restaurant is known for its consistency, its house-made ranch, and burgers ground fresh daily.
“I think the goal is, if someone comes in, you want them to know the exact experience they’re going to get,” David said. “I think this place is really unique, because it is a community place.”
What to Expect at the Burger Battle
The Orange Bowl Burger Battle, presented by Camp Chef, is part of the Fan Fest - the official tailgate party for the Orange Bowl. It kicks off at 7 a.m.
CST on January 1, and it’s free for anyone with a game ticket. The burger competition will feature a chef from Miami and one from each of the competing schools.
Each chef will cook up to 15 burgers, which will be judged by a panel before the game. The winner?
Announced before kickoff, which is set for 11 a.m. CST.
Mark Hutchens is approaching it like any serious competitor would - with pride, preparation, and a little swagger.
“Opportunities like this don’t come along very often, so we’re going to live it up to the max,” Hutchens said. “I want to win.
I want to be a good representation of this part of West Texas and Texas Tech. I’m not going to let them down.”
Two Weeks to Prep, and a Fanbase to Rally
In the days leading up to Miami, Buns Over Texas will keep serving customers while testing out recipes for the big showdown. Hutchens says merchandise is on the way, and he’s calling on Red Raider Nation to show up and show out.
“I hope there’s a good, strong contingent of Tech people there to support,” he said. “Wear your Tech gear and cheer us on.”
Fans can follow along with the restaurant’s journey - and maybe even help pick the winning burger - via their website and social media.
More Than a Burger
This isn’t just a story about burgers. It’s about resilience, family, and a small business that’s become a cornerstone of its community. It’s about a man who, after a brutal year of battling cancer, gets to step onto a national stage and represent the place he calls home.
So come January 1, while the players prep for kickoff, keep an eye on the grill at Hard Rock Stadium. Because Buns Over Texas isn’t just showing up - they’re cooking for a win.