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 closing
The original home of one of San Antonio’s most iconic pizza shops officially closed last week. Volare Italian Restaurant, which specializes in classic Italian cuisine and New York-style pizza, took to social media to announce that its Alamo Heights home base of over 30 years would not be reopening. “[We’ve] made the decision to say goodbye to our first home. We thank you all for the memories and meals that you shared with us at 5054 Broadway and we look forward to making new ones with you at 3902 McCullough Ave,” the company wrote. Volare’s second outpost, located in the former site of the historic Olmos Pharmacy, remains open for dine-in, takeout, and delivery service from noon-9 pm, Tuesday through Thursday; noon-10 pm, Friday through Saturday; and noon-8 pm on Sunday.

Popular Mexican seafood restaurant chain La Laguna Mariscos & Sushi opened its first San Antonio location on August 19. Located at 23535 I-10, La Laguna’s menu boasts an assortment of tacos, quesadillas, sushi rolls, and seafood plates, as well as spirits, beer, and wine. Prior to the opening of its Alamo City outpost, the Nuevo Laredo-based chain had already built four stateside shops in both Laredo and McAllen, with a forthcoming brick-and-mortar planned for Edinburg. According to the franchise’s social media page, La Laguna is currently hiring for all positions including waiters, cooks, and bartenders, and is open for dine-in service from 11 am-10 pm on Monday, 11 am-5 pm on Tuesday, 9 am-10 pm on Wednesday, 11 am-11:45 pm on Thursday, 11 am-12 am Friday and Saturday, and 11 am-11 pm on Sunday.

Family-owned Alamo Candy Company is bringing its addictive lineup of sour and spicy treats to a new location just north of downtown at 1149 West Hildebrand. Since opening for business in 1991, the operation's familiar treats, including pecan chewies; chilito straws; sour gummies; and other Chinese, Mexican, and American candies have proved a reliable hit with San Antonians. “Due to our remarkable growth over the years we are expanding,” reads a statement on the company's Facebook page. The new Alamo Candy Company location is much larger than its 2738 Blanco Rd. outpost, which is still open, but shares the same business hours which are Monday-Saturday from 9 am-6:30 pm and Sunday 10 am-3 pm.

Other news and notes

Fall may be less than a month away, but there’s still time for San Antonians to enjoy a summer cookout — Southern style. Starting Sunday, August 30, Southtown's The Good Kind will host a weekly pop-up pig roast featuring SA food industry veteran chef Jeff Wayne White. Known for his work with such notable area eateries as Boiler House and the recently shuttered Eastside Kitchenette, White brings his barbecue concept to Good Kind’s garden space. The pop-up's menu is set to include two fresh pork tacos and Mexican street corn for $14, as well as a la carte tacos for $4. For entertainment, DJ Kung Fu Sound System will be on hand to spin reggae, ska, and soul favorites. Chef White’s pig roast will take place Sundays from 7-10 pm, or until he’s sold out.

Alamo Heights’ premier French brasserie Bistr09 is bringing back two of its most popular weekly specials. The eatery’s Paella on the Patio made its triumphant return on August 23 — with a socially distanced twist. While the event typically sees guests gather in the restaurant’s outdoor dining area to witness chef Damien Watel whip up the saffron rice dish in its large namesake prep pan, Bistr09’s paella, which comes loaded with such proteins as mussels, shrimp, and chicken, will now be prepared in the kitchen to ensure safe distance. For early risers, Bistr09’s Sunday brunch will resume September 13. Customers can again enjoy a wide assortment of traditional breakfast fare, as well as heartier options like fried chicken and lobster risotto, with a mimosa in hand, from 11 am-4 pm. Reservations for the brunch are required and can be made here. Paella on the Patio occurs every Thursday and costs $14 per ticket.


Waterloo, the popular Texas sparkling water company known for its colorful flavors, has announced a new partnership that’s expected to grow the business in a major way. According to a press release, the brand was recently acquired by private equity firm Flexis Capital and global investment company Eurazea, along with Moore Strategic Ventures. Together, they will support Waterloo in the next phase of its growth, adding operational resources, brand-building expertise, and capital.