SOUTH BEND, IN - With just over one week until Opening Night, the South Bend Cubs and Executive Chef Josh Farmer have announced several new food options for 2018.

"Josh and our kitchen staff have done a tremendous job with our dining options for the past few years," said Team President Joe Hart. "A common suggestion from our fans was to increase the variety and introduce new items to the menu. Our focus has always been and will always be the quality of our food."

New items coming to the Four Winds Field menu this season include two new types of mac and cheese. Barbecue mac and cheese will be topped with pulled pork, scallions, bacon, and barbecue sauce. Additionally, the new Cajun mac and cheese includes andouille sausage with Cajun oil and spices.

Chef Farmer has also brought two new burger options to the menu this season. The prime rib and Cajun burgers headline the meat options in 2018. The prime rib burger will be packed with flavor that includes caramelized onions, swiss cheese, and a horseradish cream sauce. The Cajun burger will be topped with pepper jack cheese, andouille sausage, and Cajun mayo.

Finally, fans who prefer chicken to beef will enjoy two new delicious poultry options. At the Flashpoint Areas this season will be a new basket that includes buffalo chicken sliders and french fries. Also available will be the new southwest chicken wrap. The honey wheat wrap will be packed with achiote chicken, avocado ranch, corn, black beans, cilantro, and red onion.

Every homestand in 2018 will include a featured food item. Don't delay trying each item, as they will only be served for a limited time.

Surveyed fans also requested healthier food options at games. As a result, the South Bend Cubs have added a fresh fruit cart to the concourse this season.

"We are always trying to deliver a better quality product through our entire menu," said Farmer. "It's important to all of us and especially myself to make sure our fans are served the best food options possible with a creative flare."

The 2018 campaign will be the fourth season as a Chicago Cubs affiliate. South Bend will open the year on the road in Grand Rapids to face West Michigan for a two-game series before coming back to Four Winds Field for the home opener against the Whitecaps on April 7.

Prior to Opening Night, the South Bend Cubs will face the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in an exhibition on April 4. Gates will open at 5 p.m. with first pitch at 6 p.m. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the South Bend Cubs Box Office, online at SouthBendCubs.com, or by calling (574) 235-9988. All ticket proceeds will go to charity.

About the South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs are the Class A minor league affiliate of the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 30 seasons, the team has won five Midwest League titles, most recently in 2005, and has captured 12 division titles. This year, Four Winds Field, home of the Cubs, was named Ballpark Digest's Best Single-A ballpark. In 2015, the team was named Ballpark Digest's Team of the Year and received the John H. Johnson President's Award, the highest award in minor league baseball. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose sole shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill. More information is available at www.SouthBendCubs.com.