Biz Buzz

Recognition for a Tulsa Classic. The Night Hawk Special at Tulsa's El Rancho Grande restaurant has been named one of the five greatest Mexican meals in the United States in Taco USA: How Mexican Food Conquered America (Scribners, 2012) by Gustavo Arellano. In Taco USA, Arellano, who is editor of the alternative newspaper OCWeekly in Orange County, California, and author of the popular syndicated column "¡Ask A Mexican!" (see page 13), chronicles the history of Mexican food in this country while asking, and answering, many timely questions of social history.

UTW asked Arellano about his choice of the Night Hawk for such an exclusive list. Not that we doubt it, but is it really one of the best?

"It absolutely is," Arellano said. "Although Tulsa is in Oklahoma, the Night Hawk is the epitome of Tex-Mex cuisine -- the queso, the cheese taco, the great chile con carne, the wonderful mix of the two. It's the history of Mexican food in this country on one plate."

Arellano also said that the restaurant, which opened in its current location at 1629 E. 11th St. in 1953, has a special historical significance. "El Rancho Grande was probably one of the first times many Americans ever ate Mexican food, given its location on Route 66 in the Mother Road's heyday," he said.

Interestingly, Arellano said that many people from outside our city have given him grief for including El Rancho Grande, "Because it's Tulsa," he said. "Sad to say, but people talk a lot of crap on Tulsa in the rest of the United States -- you have Oral Roberts and the race riots to thank for that, among others. ... But we Americans are a prejudicial, ignorant lot, so few know the real Tulsa: a vibrant place with, sure, some knuckleheads, but also a lot of great people and food."

Littlefield Develops. Littlefield Brand Development has announced the hiring of Steve Roop as Interactive Director and Brandon Bergin as first videographer and editor.

Roop will develop interactive projects for both the agency and clients, including websites, social media initiatives and mobile applications.

"I'm looking forward to growing the Interactive Department at Littlefield," Roop said. "I've wanted to work here for nearly 15 years, having formed friendships with several folks here in that time. I admire the atmosphere and energy, and felt like the environment was a perfect match for my work sensibilities."

Roop joins Littlefield with over a decade of experience in the interactive industry, having worked with Winnercomm as senior managing editor on accounts including ESPN, LPGA and the Breeders' Cup. Roop most recently was self-employed with his business, Red 5 Communications, where he developed interactive strategies and initiatives for his clients.

"Interactive strategy is more important than ever, and I want to give our clients yet another strong area of expertise that complements the other areas of the agency they already call on," Roop said.

Bergin's role as in-house editor is new to the agency. By this addition, Littlefield aims to better provide solutions for clients with video needs, giving them a quicker, more cost-efficient turnaround, and presenting a final product that has been created directly by the agency's staff.

Bergin brings over 14 years of experience to Littlefield, having worked previously as a senior editor at both Cloud 9 Productions and Brothers and Company. Bergin's role in the agency will include shooting, producing and editing a variety of film pieces, ranging from client commercials to in-house projects.

"I look forward to seeing what the agency is able to produce with in-house editing at their disposal," Bergin said. "Littlefield already produces exceptional work, and even more impressively, provides a great balance between work and family life. The culture here is excellent, and is what really drew me into the agency."

For more information about Littlefield, please visit littlefield.us. Or, contact Jan Baker at 918-295-1000, or jbaker@littlefield.us.