This week's hot headlines
San Antonio's Empty Stomach Group opens noodle bar + more top stories

Editor's note: The long Thanksgiving weekend is a great time to get caught up on the week's headlines. Among the top stories: Not one but two stories about noodle restaurants, news about brunch, golf, and how much San Antonians will spend on holiday gifts. Still need plans? Check out our Weekend Event Planner.
1. San Antonio's Empty Stomach Group quietly opens new downtown noodle bar. After months of previews, it’s full speed ahead for Kaedama Battleship, the newest restaurant from restaurateur Chad Carey’s Empty Stomach Group. As of Friday, November 21, the downtown noodle bar is open at 122 E. Houston St. #103.
2. 'Famous' brunch chain to make Texas debut in San Antonio. Southern brunch chain Famous Toastery is finally taking shape for its San Antonio debut. The franchise, known for its "Blah Blah Blah" omelets and flavored flapjacks, will open mid-2026 in The Shops at Babcock at 15301 Babcock Rd.
3. How much San Antonians are budgeting for their holiday gifts in 2025. San Antonio and New Braunfels residents aren't stressing about stretching their holiday spending this year, according to a new report from WalletHub. Alamo City gift givers are expected to spend $930 on their festive presents, says WalletHub's 2025 "Holiday Budgets by City" report.
4. New noodle shop takes over former Nama Ramen space in San Antonio. A new San Antonio Japanese restaurant is swapping one noodle for another. Tenten Udon & Tempura has quietly opened at 6526 Babcock Rd., taking over the former Northwest Side home of Nama Ramen & Sushi.
5. Topgolf tees up opening date for first new Braunfels golf center. Rapidly growing New Braunfels is taking another big swing. Topgolf will open its newest golf venue at 427 Creekside Way on December 5, adding to a growing list of national chains settling in the once-sleepy Hill Country town.

The festive bonbons at Midnight Chocolatier will delight anyone on your list.Midnight Chocolatier/ Facebook
Niche's cassette-themed t-shirts will get heavy play.Niche/ Facebook