SAN ANTONIO │ City and Metro Restaurant Thread

[kingkirbythe....]

San Antonio's vegan pizza spot Verve Pie has closed, promising to reopen in new digs

The eatery's owners want to relocate it from the suburbs to San Antonio proper, where most of its client base resides.

https://www.sacurrent.com/food-drink...-digs-29719081

Days before the first anniversary of its grand opening, Cibolo's Verve Pizza has closed its doors, promising a relocation.

The restaurant advertised itself as San Antonio area’s first 100% plant-based pizzeria when it opened last August. Now, this Aug. 25, the owners said via social media that they've shuttered the shop and plan to relocate it from the Northeastern suburbs to San Antonio proper, where most of its client base resides.

“We want to thank all of our customers that supported us from the beginning! The last month or 2 we’ve been functioning with minimal staff, so if you noticed a difference in the execution of our food or customer service, we greatly apologize,” the announcement read. “We wanted to stay open until we gave all of our staff an opportunity to find jobs elsewhere. The future of [V]erve pie is not completely certain but we hope to relocate to San Antonio next year ...”

Verve's signature pizzas include an Everything Bagel pie, which features vegan garlic aioli, avocado spread, vegan cream cheese, shaved red onion, seasoned fresh tomatoes and everything seasoning. The spot also offered four pies featuring plant-based meats, including pepperoni, Italian sausage and ground beef.

In addition to its pizzas, Verve scooped up coconut-based ice cream in flavors such as salted caramel pecan, berry basil, lemon thyme and cookies-and-cream

[kingkirbythe....]

San Antonio's newest Burger Boy opening in Live Oak this Wednesday

The store is the latest in a rapid expansion for the San Antonio-based company.

https://www.sacurrent.com/food-drink...esday-29720070

After much anticipation, mini-empire Burger Boy will on Aug. 31 open its first location outside the city of San Antonio, this one in the suburb of Live Oak.

The Alamo City-based chain's sixth store will be at 8060 Pat Booker Road, near the city’s sole IKEA store. It will open at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, offering gift cards and branded swag to the first customers in line, according to company officials.

The new restaurant is the latest in a brisk expansion, which most recently included a Southside outpost that opened its doors in November.

The new Burger Boy will operate 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10:30 a..m.-midnight Friday and Saturday.

[kingkirbythe....]

First look: Highly anticipated new Pearl restaurant Carriqui opens to the public Friday

https://www.expressnews.com/food/res...i-17405227.php

A large courtyard peppered with banana trees, a water fixture, an outdoor bar and plenty of shady umbrellas provide ample al fresco seating. Additional indoor seating and a third bar is available in a new two-story building recently constructed on the grounds called The Rock House.

Between those three spaces, Carriqui can seat 380 diners. The first of those patrons started trickling into Carriqui on Monday afternoon for an invitation-only opportunity to sample the restaurant's food and cocktails. Carriqui will continue serving invitation-only meals through Wednesday, and open to the public Friday, Sept. 2.

The Carriqui House's two-story interior is bright and airy, well lit by sunlight streaming through large windows surrounding the main dining room and bar. A mild hint of smoke from the kitchen's wood-fired grill lingered at the door and over the courtyard Monday, those flames and embers kissing dishes such as achiote-spiced chicken al carbon and smoked brisket dressed with mole sauce. Those dishes are inspired by the flight path of the green jay bird called the carriqui, which ranges from the Mexico border to the Gulf Coast.

Behind the bar, which was sparsely decorated with tidy piles of books by authors with Texas ties including Sandra Cisneros, Cormac McCarthy and Larry McMurtry, bartenders crafted a range of drinks such as upscale margaritas, martinis and more elaborate libations like the Curandero, spiked with mezcal, tequila, hibiscus shrub and more.

San Antonio-based Don B. McDonald Architects and Troy Jessee Construction are responsible for Carriqui's meticulous renovations and interior design. The space features several nods to the building's history, including a vintage black-and-white photo of the building in its earliest days mounted under a neon Pearl beer sign near the restaurant's restrooms among other historic photographs. The restaurant's namesake birds can be found frolicking in a cactus in a large painting on the dining room's wall.

[kingkirbythe....]

Northside San Antonio bakery Sol y Luna to close after 14 years

Its final day is this Sunday

https://www.mysanantonio.com/food/ar...s-17409713.php

If you were hoping for news that would cause your spirits to rise, this news is more unleavening than anything.

A popular Northside San Antonio bakery has officially set a date for the last roll out of its specialty confections. Sol y Luna Baking Company, which first opened its doors in San Antonio in 2008, took to Instagram on Tuesday, August 30, to break the news of its impending closure.

"After much soul searching we have decided to hang up our rolling pins, retire, and focus on our family and friends," the company wrote in a statement. "Thank you for supporting us the last 14 years San Antonio, it's been a blast!"

Known for a large variety of seasonally inspired pastries and breads, Sol y Luna Baking Company sells everything from hearty sandwiches with fresh bread, Central Texas kolaches, specialty croissants, breads of every stripe, sticky buns, and bear claws.

Its last day of service — and your last day to get a Sol y Luna pastry — will be this upcoming Sunday, September 4, according to the baking company. At this time, it is unclear if Sol y Luna is going to continue vending on the weekends at the Pearl Farmer's Market, where the bakery has long set up shop.

Sol y Luna has not yet responded to MySA's request for comment.

Find it: 4421 DeZavala Road, San Antonio, TX 78249.

[kingkirbythe....]

Hugman's Oasis now offers tiki to-go drinks for River Walk strolls

https://www.mysanantonio.com/food/ar...-Editors-Picks

San Antonio's tiki-inspired River Walk bar is offering new ways to accommodate customers. Hugman's Oasis is launching a lineup of tiki to-go drinks and extended hours. Starting Thursday, September 1, the bar will introduce a "tiki twist" to San Antonio's list of to-go drink options.

In May 2021, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and the state legislature made to-go drinks a permanent law. During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the government issued a waiver which allowed businesses to sell alcoholic drinks in a to-go format as restaurants and bars were forced to close. A year later, the decision became a law of the land.

Just because Hugman's Oasis' new drinks are to be consumed away from the carefully designed tiki bar, that doesn't mean it skimps on the island experience, the business states in the announcement. The rum, raspberry, coconut, and lime concoctions are poured up in themed to-go vessels, like a totum or macaw, for River Walk strolls (drinking on the famed waterway is legal).

In addition to the takeaway drinks, Hugman's Oasis is offering more time for customers to slip away into paradise. The bar will now be open from 4 p.m. to midnight Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Hugman's Oasis is closed on Mondays.

For those who opt to dine-in, Hugman's Oasis also recently unveiled a small bites menu which includes Instagram-worthy treats.

[kingkirbythe....]

Allora revives Pearl sister concept Arrosta with new dinner hours

https://www.mysanantonio.com/food/ar...-Editors-Picks

Allora, the Pearl-area's elevated Amalfi Coast inspired eatery, is resuscitating its sister concept Arrosta with a re-imagined experience and menu.

The side-by-side concepts by the Maverick Restaurant Group initially opened earlier this year. While its pastas and savory specialty toasts made Allora an immediate success, Arrosta — initially positioned as an "Italian street food" lunch spot — is now changing course after an extended closure.

Allora Chef Robbie Nowlin, a French Laundry and Otium alumnae, is now taking over the Arrosta experience. The former lunch spot will now be open for dinner service every Tuesday through Sunday from 4 to 9 p.m. (and until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays).

[kingkirbythe....]

Historic Southtown building gutted by fire could have second life as Japanese-style coffee shop

https://www.expressnews.com/business...e-17418118.php

A burned-out historic landmark in Southtown is on its way to becoming a café that would bring a little bit of Japanese coffee culture to San Antonio.

Andres Jasso, a local web designer, has submitted plans to the city’s Office of Historic Preservation to build the café inside the 1920s-era gas station at 1501 S. Flores St., a block west of the Blue Star Arts Complex.

In early 2020, a fire gutted the building, which had housed the offices of the Sweb Development digital advertising agency, leaving little standing except its exterior brick walls. The building is known as the “Triangle Garage,” according to the city’s Office of Historic Preservation.

Renderings provided by Jasso show that the café, which he’s calling Oak & Saint, would be inside a new building surrounded by outdoor seating areas within the historic walls. He purchased the property earlier this year through a shell company linked with his website and branding studio, allhands.design.

Jasso created the Oak & Saint brand about three years ago and has since been on the lookout for the right place to put it, he said. He’s hoping to bring on business partners.

The café will serve coffee in a quiet and service-oriented fashion, much like coffee shops he’s visited during travels in Japan, he said.

“I never went to a coffee shop in Japan where they wouldn’t come out and serve you the coffee,” he said. “It’s a very elevated experience in terms of that, but it’s also very quiet inside.”

[kingkirbythe....]

Full Goods Diner at San Antonio's Pearl complex sets Sept. 22 opening date

Full Goods Diner will serve up breakfast and lunch items packed with seasonal and local ingredients.

https://www.sacurrent.com/food-drink...-date-29783554

Early birds of San Antonio, rejoice! Pearl newcomer Full Goods Diner has set a Thursday, Sept. 22 opening date.

Helmed by San Antonio-native restaurateur Ryan Harms — along with chef Patrick Jackson of brunch spot Paperboy in Austin — Full Goods Diner will operate from Green Vegetarian Cuisine's former space in the downtown-area shopping and culinary destination.

The restaurant will serve breakfast and lunch with a focus on seasonal and local ingredients along with scratch-made preparations blending Mexican and U.S. flavors. The menu will include handmade pastries, seasonal toasts, breakfast enchiladas, pancakes, sopes, carnitas tortas and Hill Country salads, according to Pearl officials.

Full Good Diner joins pizza spot Wonder Slice, which opened in June, and elevated South Texas restaurant Carriqui, which held its grand opening Sept. 2, as recent culinary additions at the Pearl.

Looking ahead, Mediterranean restaurant Ladino will be next in line, opening inside the former site of SA chef Andrew Weissman's shuttered Italian eatery Il Sogno. It's expected to begin serving this fall.

Following its grand opening, Full Goods Diner will be open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

[kingkirbythe....]

San Antonio’s Bakery Lorraine bringing pastry goodness to Boerne with new store opening

The newest shop is expected to open in October and will be the SA-based business' sixth location.

https://www.sacurrent.com/food-drink...ening-29801026

San Antonio-based Bakery Lorraine is poised to again expand its footprint, bringing French pastries and light bites to the Hill Country town of Boerne.

The new location at 134 Oak Park Dr. in Boerne will offer the bakery’s full menu, including macarons, pastries, sandwiches and salads. The shop is expected to open in October, however the owners haven't set an official opening date.

The Boerne shop will be the San Antonio-based business' sixth location. It currently operates four Alamo City shops, including one inside the kid-friendly DoSeum, in addition to one in Austin.

Established in 2011, Bakery Lorraine has been named one of the best new bakeries in the U.S. by Food & Wine as well as one of Conde Nast Traveler's 13 Destination Bakeries. This year, the company was included in Southern Living’s list of the South’s Best Bakeries.

[kingkirbythe....]

San Antonio's Hometown Burger abruptly closes all locations

https://www.mysanantonio.com/food/ar...o-17435477.php

All Hometown Burger locations are now closed in San Antonio. The local burger chain shared the news in a mysterious social media post late Sunday, September 11.

The 50's diner-style brand of burger restaurants announced at 10 p.m. Sunday that all locations were shuttered. The company's website also has the same message.

"It is with a heavy heart that we are announcing the permanent closing of all our Hometown Burger locations," the post reads. "We thank you for your business over the years. We'll see you on the flip side."

The restaurant did not warn customers of the closing ahead of the Sunday post. A reason for the decision was not disclosed. Messages sent to the email address listed have gone unanswered as of this write.

Hometown Burger steadily opened restaurants dotting the city starting in 2016. The 10th location opened a year ago on the Southside at 8514 Interstate 35 South.

The restaurant group behind Hometown Burger also owns Tia's Taco Hut, Tio's Tex-Mex, Mr. C's Fried Chicken and Waffles and Don Benito's Cocina y Cantina. The other restaurants in the group appear to be open for business.

Hometown Burger fans lamented the news on Facebook.

"Oh my god I’m so heartbroken," a comment by Facebook user Evelyn Marr says. "These (are some) of my favorite favorite favorite burgers of all time. I’m so sad."

[kingkirbythe....]

Upcoming San Antonio Mediterranean grill Ladino sets Sept. 19 grand opening date

The new spot will focus on fare cooked over a charcoal grill — an homage to the Jewish-Balkan food chef Berty Richter grew up eating.

https://www.sacurrent.com/food-drink...-date-29831788

The Pearl's latest restaurant tenant, Ladino, will begin serving on Monday, Sept. 19 in the space formerly occupied by high-profile Italian eatery Il Sogno.

Helmed by Executive Chef Berty Richter of Austin-based hospitality group Emmer & Rye, the new spot will focus on fare cooked over a charcoal grill — an homage to the Jewish-Balkan food Richter grew up eating. It's the first San Antonio concept from Emmer & Rye.

Ladino's opening menu will include dishes such as coal-charred eggplant dip, meat dumplings in yogurt and a modern take on agristada — a traditional Sephardic fish dish served in a lemony egg sauce, according to Emmer & Rye officials. Desserts will include modernized versions of sweet-and-savory Balkan staples, while the beverage program will highlight regional wines and spirits.

Although the restaurant's space has periodically hosted retail pop-ups, it's been without a permanent tenant since chef Andrew Weissman's shuttered Il Sogno in May 2018.

Ladino joins pizza spot WonderSlice, which opened in June, and elevated South Texas restaurant Carriqui, which held its grand opening Sept. 2, as recent culinary additions at the Pearl. Additionally, breakfast and lunch spot Full Goods Diner will open Thursday, Sept. 22 in the space at the mixed-use development previously occupied by Green Vegetarian Cuisine.

Reservations at Ladino, 200 E. Grayson St., Suite 100, are now open. Following its grand opening, the restaurant will operate every day of the week but Monday.

[kingkirbythe....]

Hawaiian Bros brings 'family' food service to San Antonio area

https://www.mysanantonio.com/food/ar...-Editors-Picks

Live Oak, the Bexar County municipality on the edge of San Antonio city limits, is now home to Hawaiian Bros Island Grill. The island-inspired chain of restaurants has locations across six states, including Texas.

The Live Oak location officially opened on Tuesday, September 13. Before the San Antonio-area outpost opened at 7929 Pat Booker Road, Live Oak, TX 78233, Hawaiian Bros fans would find their closest restaurant in San Marcos.

The business model centers on plate lunches — a protein, rice, and scoop of macaroni salad — that became popular in the 1950s. The menu includes chicken and pork in a variety of marinades as well as salads, Spam musbubi, and Dole soft serve for dessert. Fountain drinks are available as well as the Hawaiian Sun lineup of refreshing canned drinks.

[kingkirbythe....]

The Deco District's Elotitos Corn Bar, purveyor of aguas frescas and elote in a cup, is expanding their reach to the Government Hill area.

Elotitos Corn Bar adds second San Antonio location, expands to Government Hill

https://www.mysanantonio.com/food/ar...o-17435852.php

After a successful year and a half of business on Fredericksburg Road, Elotitos is opening a second location at 1943 N. New Braunfels. While the timeline for opening is still rough, owner Jesus Arreaga tells MySA that he plans on opening up the new shop sometime in late fall or early winter.

Elotitos second location will operate in the same building as Folklores Coffee House.

[kingkirbythe....]

Colorful, family-friendly food truck park Rancho 181 has opened on San Antonio's South Side

The park, located near Calaveras Lake, is one of few businesses in the area offering food and adult beverages.

https://www.sacurrent.com/food-drink...-side-29887588

New family friendly gathering spot Rancho 181 is now offering food trucks, frosty beverages and easygoing vibes on San Antonio's South Side, according to its owners.

The outdoor complex made its debut over the weekend, offering up a full bar, live music, yard games, multiple TV screens and separate play areas for kids and canine companions.

Located at 13514 U.S. Highway 181 near Calaveras Lake, the park is one of few businesses in the area offering food and adult beverages. However, its website and social media feeds don't yet list its on-site food trucks.

Rancho 181 is open daily from 11 a.m. to midnight. Its live music calendar includes free performances by acoustic artist Jerry DeLeon on Sept. 24 and Tejano legend Ram Hererra on Sept. 25.

[kingkirbythe....]

Chicken-and-waffle chain Chick’nCone opens San Antonio store, one of six planned in Texas

The Pennsylvania-based chain is known for its proprietary fried chicken-filled waffle cones.

https://www.sacurrent.com/food-drink...texas-29887913

“Fork-free” chicken-and-waffle chain Chick’nCone has opened its first San Antonio location, a Monte Vista-area storefront near Bexar Kolache Co. and Volare Italian Restaurant.

The Pennsylvania-based chain is known for its proprietary chicken-filled waffle cones — yep, the kind used at ice cream parlors. Customers can order the crispy yardbird doused in any of six sauces — including ranch, maple-cinnamon barbecue and spicy South American peri peri — before it's loaded into a hand-rolled, slightly sweet cone.

Chick'nCone also serves milk shakes and a variety of sides including fries, macaroni and Cajun-spiced corn. Some franchise stores offer adult beverages such as frozen mimosas and beer, but it was unclear at press time whether the Monte Vista location is one of those.

Chick’nCone's website still lists the Alamo City store as coming soon. However, a weekend Instagram post announced Sunday, Sept. 18 as its opening date.

“The anticipation is finally over,” the post read. “We’re so excited to bring you an Insta-worthy experience that you’ll want to share with family & friends…”

The San Antonio restaurant, 223 E. Hildebrand Ave., is one of six planned for Texas, according to the Chick’nCone website. It’s open Monday through Saturday from noon to 8 p.m.

[kingkirbythe....]

Comfort Cafe announces opening date for downtown San Antonio food truck

https://www.mysanantonio.com/food/ar...-Editors-Picks

San Antonio will soon be able to partake in breakfast favorites from a growing eatery that’s been recognized among restaurants across the country. Comfort Cafe, considered a top brunch spot in the U.S., is preparing for an “on the go” concept with its food truck set to debut later this month.

Comfort Cafe took to Facebook to share news of a soft opening for its food truck on September 27. Local foodies who have already fallen in love with the cafe’s menu and concept can find the food truck at the Heidgen House at 121 Starr St., San Antonio, TX 78205, located a few blocks from the Alamo. The mobile edition of Comfort Cafe is expected to be open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

In the comments of the Facebook posts, fans and foodies expressed their desire for the cafe to visit their neighborhood and excitement for the opening. The soft opening date comes after Comfort Cafe first announced the upcoming food truck back in July.

Comfort Cafe quickly gained supporters both near and far after opening its original location. The cafe, which also has a location in Smithville, operates on a pay-what-you-can business model that helps fund a program that benefits those recovering from addiction. The staff is also made up from individuals who have been part of the program.

For those not in downtown, Comfort Cafe’s existing brick-and-mortar restaurant is located at 2015 NE Interstate 410 Loop, San Antonio, TX 78217, and is open Friday through Sunday.

[kingkirbythe....]

Tropical Smoothie Café opening new location in San Antonio's Medical Center this month

The Florida-based chain specializes in customized smoothies made with fresh fruit and 'mood-boosting ingredients,' such as fresh ginger and whole grain oats.

https://www.sacurrent.com/food-drink...month-29895795

The Tropical Smoothie Café chain will open its fourth San Antonio location Friday, Sept. 30, bringing its menu of healthy items to the Medical Center.

The new store at 4331 Medical Drive, Suite 205, will offer free smoothies for a year to the first 30 people in line at 7 a.m. opening day, according to company officials. It also will provide discounts on smoothies and flatbread sandwiches that day.

The Florida-based chain specializes in customized smoothies made with fresh fruit and a wide variety of “mood-boosting ingredients,” such as fresh ginger and whole grain oats, according to the company.

San Antonio franchisee Pam Ozowalu, owner and operator of two other local Tropical Smoothie Cafés, will run the new store, company officials said. One additional Alamo City unit is operated by a separate franchise holder.

The health-conscious brand began in the Florida Panhandle in 1997, serving up fruit smoothies to beachgoers. Since then, it's expanded to open 1,100 locations in 45 states.

[kingkirbythe....]

Pearl smoothie shop Kineapple closing Sept. 25, making way for new concept from Chilaquil owners

The pop-up El Diente de Oro will open for service in early October.

https://www.sacurrent.com/food-drink...wners-29896805

Almost one year after it started slinging smoothies and healthy snacks inside the Pearl Bottling Department, Kineapple will close its doors Sunday, Sept. 25 to make way for a new pop-up concept called El Diente de Oro.

The owners of fellow food hall eatery Chilaquil are behind the new spot, which will serve up Northern Mexican-inspired fare including asados de la abuela and carnes asadas, Pearl officials said. Inspired by Chilaquil owners Orlando and Susana Aguirre’s travels, El Diente de Oro had popped up at Pearl’s outdoor kitchen and Broadway gathering spot Pink Hill over the summer.

Local Coffee founders Robby and Neesha Grubbs, who opened Kineapple last September, left the door open for their smoothie venture to continue in new digs.

“We were honored to debut Kineapple at Food Hall, and it has been a great experience,” Robby Grubbs said in a press release. “After a year-long run and realizing its potential, we are looking forward to Kineapple’s next chapter in San Antonio.”

El Diente de Oro will open for service in early October and occupy the space through the end of 2022.

[kingkirbythe....]

Colorado-based fresh fast food franchise opens spots in San Antonio

https://www.mysanantonio.com/food/ar...t-17452507.php

A Colorado-based fast casual franchise that aims to prove that "fast food can be better food" is bringing its fresh meals to multiple Texas cities as part of a huge franchise deal. Thrive Restaurant Group inked a 41-unit franchise deal on Tuesday, September 13, that will bring multiple locations to San Antonio, Austin, and Waco, according to a news release.

The franchise deal is also bringing locations to other states, including North Carolina, Arkansas, Kansas, and Iowa. It's not clear how many of the 41 locations will be in Austin or San Antonio. A spokesperson for Modern Market Eatery said there are already three in Austin but did not has specific locations for San Antonio or other cities.

Modern Market Eatery is a restaurant that offers "fresh, whole, and sustainable ingredients" to make "from scratch" meals that range from salads to brick oven pizzas that are customizable. You can also order protein bowls that allow one to select from beef, chicken, salmon, tuna, or tofu with sides like salads, rice, and a sweet potato mash.

Thrive Restaurant Group is a company that is based in Kansas founded by Darrel and David Rolph in 2011 and is the fifth-largest Applebee's franchisee and operates more than 100 restaurants nationwide.

"We are proud to play a part in developing brands we believe in and expanding the footprint of better-for-you foods and quality ingredients with a passion for scratch-made meals," said John Rolph, Thrive Restaurant Group president and CEO in the news release.

[kingkirbythe....]

Time's running out for bars and venues to weigh in on San Antonio's noise ordinance rewrite

Attendance from business members of the city's noise task force has dwindled as the revamp approaches the finish line.

https://www.sacurrent.com/news/times...write-29898163

What if you proposed a noise ordinance and no one showed up?
That's the dilemma facing San Antonio bar, restaurant and venue operators as time ticks down on their chance to comment on the city's pending overhaul of its rules for live music and other amplified sounds.

A task force that's spent more than a year weighing an update to those guidelines last month received its final report from a consultant hired to study how to stave off conflicts between neighbors and businesses over sound levels.

However, some involved in the process worry the businesses most affected by the pending changes haven't been involved enough as the group readies to hand its final recommendations to city council.

"We've lost members from the business community as the process dragged on," said task force member David Uhler, president of German American social club Beethoven Männerchor. "It's sort of dwindled during the last few months. Without question, we need more people from the business community to attend, because this will affect them directly."

Uhler began taking part in the meetings out of concern that new noise restrictions might stop his King William beer garden from presenting live music, something it's done since the 1920s.

At least two more task force meetings have been scheduled — Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2-4 p.m., and Monday, Oct. 17, 6-8 p.m. — according to city officials, and a larger public meeting also is in the works.

Those may represent the last chance for businesses to weigh in on the proposed changes before the task force moves them on for council debate.