The San Diego Padres recently removed the "FTD" designation from menu boards at Hodad’s concession stands inside Petco Park, drawing attention amid the ongoing rivalry with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The "FTD" branding, which had stood for phrases like “Foul to Dinger” and “For the Division,” was quietly replaced with less pointed slogans such as “For the Dads” and “Faithful til Death.”

The change came despite the fact that the "FTD Burger" has been a popular item at Petco Park since the 2022 playoffs, when it was introduced at the Padres’ request. Hodad’s co-owner Nick Hardin described the burger’s origin as a lighthearted nod to the team’s playoff run, created without explicit reference to the Dodgers but clearly intended as a playful rallying cry for Padres fans. Hardin expressed surprise at the decision to alter the branding, noting the team’s embrace of spirited rivalry with Los Angeles, including the sale of “Beat L.A.” merchandise and other pro-Padres messaging.

Hardin acknowledged that the changes were made by the Padres and Delaware North, the stadium’s concessionaire, who apparently viewed the original “FTD” acronym as inappropriate. The Padres declined to comment on the matter. Hardin emphasized that there was no profanity or offensive language associated with the term and described the Burger’s symbolism as a fan-driven, insider phrase that had become part of the culture at Petco Park. He also dismissed an online theory linking the three onion rings atop the burger to the Dodgers’ alleged three World Series championships in recent years, saying he had little interest in tracking that narrative.

Despite the removal of the "FTD" label, Hardin noted that sales of the burger increased by 50% during the first homestand following the announcement, suggesting the controversy may have actually boosted its popularity.

The timing of the change has sparked some discussion given the Padres’ current performance in the National League West. When the Dodgers played at Petco Park five weeks ago, the Padres trailed them by just 1½ games; as the Dodgers return to San Diego this week, the deficit has grown to nine games. Some observers have jokingly suggested the team might be experiencing a "Curse of the FTD Burger" following the decision to remove the acronym.

While Hardin expressed no ill will toward the Padres, he described Hodad’s as “a little rough around the edges” but still family-friendly and proud to be part of the ballpark environment. The ongoing rivalry with the Dodgers remains a focal point for the team and its fans, even as the exact place of the “FTD” burger in that rivalry continues to evolve.