News you can eat
8 things to know in San Antonio food right now: Cheap eats chain suddenly hops out of business
Editor’s note: We get it. It can be difficult to keep up with the fast pace of San Antonio’s restaurant and bar scene. We have you covered with our regular roundup of essential food news.
Openings and closings
Guadalajara-based chain Cervecería Chapultepec has abruptly hopped out of the San Antonio market. The franchise, known for its low-priced fare, announced the closure of both local storefronts via a June 27 Facebook post. In May, the restaurant was named in a $20 million lawsuit that alleged the eatery overserved a patron before an intoxication manslaughter incident. Whether those legal woes contributed to the decision is unclear. The chain did promise "volveremos" (we will be back) in its last Instagram post.
Mildly bawdy restaurant chain Bombshells opened its first San Antonio outpost on June 27 at 8410 SH 51. According to a release, the location is the first franchise operation for the Houston-based company known for its aircraft hangar ambiance and "Bombshell Girls" dressed in non-regulation military gear. The sprawling menu includes ribs, pizza, burgers, and breastaurant de rigueur wings.
Downtown Schertz welcomed a new patio bar, The Hidden Grove, on July 2. The space comes from prolific operator Nick Marquez, the owner of popular haunts Old Main Ice House and Bar House. According to an Instagram Reel, the new build is outfitted with yard games, a spacious outdoor bar, and a massive flat screen for viewing — taking a wild stab here — sports.
The team behind Southtown's Gold Coffee has teased a new "new food and beverage idea" at Freight Gallery and Studios. In the upcoming weeks, Lil Treasures will replace the recently closedBandit BBQ at 1913 S. South Flores St., but locals will have to wait to see what gems are in store. Details are still under wraps for the concept. However, it will be hosting a Q&A with gubernatorial candidate Beto O'Rourke hosted by Try Guys' Eugene Lee Yang on July 11.
Chicken Salad Chick, billed as the "nation's only fast-casual chicken salad restaurant concept," is flocking to Alamo City. According to an updated release, local franchise company OberRoc LLC will bring the first of its 8 projected San Antonio-area units to 22831 N US Hwy 281 #116, debuting by the end of the year. Once open, the chain will serve a dozen varieties of its signature dish, along with pimento cheese, green salads, and sandwiches.
According to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, Arizona-based fast-food chain Salad and Go is expanding near Stone Oak. The drive-thru eatery will offer customizable bowls, wraps, and breakfast burritos at 2143 Bulverde Rd. TDLR records indicate that construction is slated to end in March 2023.
Other news and notes
East Side burger joint Mark's Outing is bringing back its Food Fight Fridays through September 23. Competitive eaters are tasked with devouring five cheeseburgers in five minutes for the chance to qualify for the finals at Mark's All-American Burger Fest on October 15 and win $1,000. The $15 registration fee secures a slot in each heat, but sadly no antacids.
Pearl hot spot Best Quality Daughter has opened its much-anticipated new patio. Owners Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin and Quealy Watson announced the completed renovations via social media with a video showcasing the new seating and outdoor bar. Thankfully, the build-out also includes awnings and multiple fans.
