As Paloma Park opened its doors on the evening of Tuesday, Feb. 6, a line of excited patrons filed into the restaurant for 818 Tequila’s “Tacos and Tequilas” Tuesday Takeover. Paloma Park posted on Instagram earlier that day to advertise discounted drinks and tacos, but many attended to take advantage of another surprise that 818 had in store: An appearance from model, businesswoman and reality TV star, Kendall Jenner.
There was no official announcement of Jenner’s visit to Athens, but both Paloma Park and 1785 Bar and Grill posted on Tuesday that 818 would offer drink and food specials that night. Most of the crowd came to see Jenner based on rumors that they’d heard from word-of-mouth or social media posts.
“I got a text during class today that was like I think Kendall Jenner is going to be at Paloma tonight,” said Fernanda Lima, a masters student in the University of Georgia’s school of social work. “Me and my friends had no plan so we were like, why not?”
On Tuesday afternoon, Jenner hosted an 818 takeover in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the home of the University of Alabama. This is not Jenner’s first appearance in a college town bar to promote 818, as she has previously been spotted in college towns across the midwest such as Columbus, Ohio and Ann Arbor, Michigan.
The crowd continued to grow throughout the evening, and eventually the indoor area of Paloma Park hit maximum capacity. At the bar both inside and outside the restaurant, guests lined up to try 818 Tequila’s specials for the night, like $6 palomas and margaritas.
The typical liquor bottles behind the Paloma Park bar were replaced by a wall of 818 Tequila bottles, and Paloma Park staff wore 818 Tequila hats. When Jenner arrived, guests fought at the chance to catch free 818 hats and tote bags.
Sam Showfety, a senior marketing and international business major, brought two of her friends with her to the event. She said she tried 818 Tequila in the past and “loved” it, and decided to come to Paloma to see Jenner and try out the drink deals.
Although the event was set to officially start at 7 p.m., Jenner entered the restaurant about 30 minutes ahead of schedule. Hundreds of phone screens and camera flashes filled the room as she took selfies with fans, signed autographs and handed out free shots of 818 Tequila.
Jenner sported a bright red sweater with UGA emblems on the front and was met with a roar of barks as she interacted with fans. She also “called the dawgs” and led the Georgia chant — an exciting moment for a crowd filled with UGA students. When Jenner left Paloma, she remained downtown and headed to 1785 Bar and Grill where she continued to hand out free shots and 818 merchandise.
Along with Paloma Park and 1785, Jenner’s 818 Tequila is now being sold at over 20 locations across Athens.
