Random notes.

1. Penske Media (the owners of Deadline and the Hollywood Reporter) have bought the Eater websites. Among others:

Publishing brands, including food authority Eater, tech destination The Verge, sports network SB Nation, travel brand Thrillist, lifestyle site Popsugar, animal story-focused The Dodo and drinking culture site Punch, were acquired by Penske Media, the companies said on Thursday.

As I’ve noted in this space previously, Eater Austin has been completely useless for quite a while now. These days, I get better coverage of the Austin restaurant scene from the Houston Chronicle. It will be interesting to see if Penske tries to revive the Austin specific part, or if they decide to shutter that side of Eater.

2. Something I’ve noticed recently and find interesting: I’ve been hearing a lot recently about how hard times are for barbecue places, what with the high price of beef and everything else.

Well, Kruez Market in Lockhart has been heavily advertising their catering services on local television. I’ve noticed the ads on one specific channel during a specific time period. I’m trying to recall the last time I saw a commercial for a barbecue place, and I can’t. (I’d link to the commercial, but it doesn’t seem to be on the ‘Tube.)

3. Twin Peaks has spun itself off from the bankrupt FAT Brands. (Previously.)

According to the release shared Monday, Twin Peaks said it will no longer be associated with FAT Brands and will return to its previous status as a privately held company, operating as Summit Twin Hospitality I, LLC.