Hole foods

Dunkin' sprinkles San Antonio with ambitious doughnut shop expansion plans

Dunkin' is (probably) coming to a corner near you.

Dunkin'

Coming soon in San Antonio, it will be easier than ever to find a Dunkin’ (yes, just Dunkin’ — more on that later). On May 8, the doughnut giant announced ambitious expansion plans to spread the brand past its Northeast stronghold with 50 new locations, including six in the Alamo City.

Per a release, Texas franchise group Mesquite County Business Venture will be developing the new shops with locations still pending. A Dunkin’ rep did reveal that all outposts are anticipated to be completed by 2025, and two of the locations will be combo packs, which means it also houses a Baskin-Robbins under the same roof.

Think of the possibilities. Guests can squeeze a scoop of rainbow sherbet between two strawberry frosted doughnuts or plop a classic glazed on a Caramel Cappuccino Blast for an impromptu Instagram sesh. Local dentists are surely rejoicing.

The new Dunkin’ stores will add to an already impressive presence in San Antonio. The city now boasts eight stores, including a next-generation concept at 10029 San Pedro Ave. that was among the first in the nation to sport the new “Donut”-less name when it opened in October 2018.

The abbreviation, finalized in September of that year, was a reflection of the brand’s increasing focus on coffee and other menu items like breakfast sandwiches. It also reflected that hardly anyone dips doughnuts in hot beverages anyway. That is a fundamental betrayal of the pastry arts.

Although it’s not clear if the six new locations will have two drive-thrus like the San Pedro store, they will include many other innovations that aim to get guests their caffeine and crullers quicker.

"With modifications, such as our on-tap cold beverages, high-quality drive-thrus, and on-the-go mobile ordering capabilities, we plan to capitalize on the momentum we experienced in 2018 and continue providing 'great coffee, fast' for years to come,” said Grant Benson, senior vice president of franchising and business development for Dunkin’ Brands, via release.

We aren’t fluent in corporate-speak, but we think that means Starbucks better watch out.

breakfast coffee desserts openings

NEWS YOU CAN EAT

A Mexican newcomer and a barnyard bar kick up San Antonio dining news

Screaming Goat Yard & Tap/ Facebook

Screaming Goat Yard & Tap is opening a new concept in San Antonio.

While this year's election consumed most of the nation's bandwidth, San Antonio entrepreneurs continued investing in the city. This week brings reports of family friendly restaurants, modern Mexican innovators, and an ultra-accessible new coffee shop.

Openings and closings

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) records are bleating plans for a new $500,000 project on 14242 W. Loop 1604. A concept by Screaming Goat Yard & Tap's owners will begin construction on a two-story restaurant in January 2025, hoping to wrap up by September. The original location opened in 2021, offering live music, Southern fare, and a dog- (and goat-) friendly patio. A representative at the Spring Branch location confirmed the company is working on the new spot but could not give details.

Chela's Tacos has shuttered its 3420 N. St. Mary's #105 location in this week's round of restaurant roulette. But a new restaurant has already taken its place. Bokobá, from husband-and-wife duo Sergio Gonzalez and Maria Sanchez, quietly opened the space in early November. The latest tenant specializes in modern Mexican cuisine, combining traditional techniques with New American flourishes. Meanwhile, Chela's Broadway flagship remains open.

According to an Instagram announcement, Southtown seafood spot Little Em's Oyster Bar will settle in its new digs on November 12. In March, Carpenter Carpenter Hospitality revealed it was shuttering tony eatery Up Scale to give its coastal concept a bigger space. Meanwhile, a new concept — Beau's Tiny Diner — will be shuffling into the original Little Em's space.

A new coffee shop with a purpose is dipping into Cadillac Plaza at 14415 Blanco Rd. #110. Mermaid Cafe is dedicated to employing people with disabilities at all levels of its operations, using special equipment and instructions to make the workplace genuinely accessible. TDLR paperwork indicates that construction will wrap up by June 2025.

Hooked Boil House's long, strange trip has abruptly stopped. The Mesa, Arizona-based chain first expanded to San Antonio in February, closing its other locations in the subsequent months. The Cajun eatery has now thrown in the towel in San Antonio, informing its customers via a social media statement. The last day of business was November 5.

Other news and notes

Freetail Brewing Co. has opted out of retail distribution in the latest tremor affecting the San Antonio craft beer scene. Although the cans will no longer be available on H-E-B shelves, the company will continue brewing at its two taprooms and restaurants. "Serving San Antonio customers and this community is our priority," said Director of Operations David Olivares in a release.

openings closings craft beer southtown coffee chains news you can eat