Moves like jaguar

Wild safari-themed Starbucks roars into the San Antonio Zoo

Starbucks is coming to the zoo.

Courtesy photo

Locals who feel absolutely beastly before their first cup of coffee will soon be in good company. On September 19, the San Antonio Zoo announced it's bringing a Starbucks to Brackenridge Park, complete with a wild theme.

A release notes that the coffeeshop will replace the Train Cafe, which is located across the street from the zoo entrance on North St. Mary’s Street. Since it is not inside the zoo’s gates, the Starbucks will be open to those without passes and have longer operational hours. Renovations are expected to be completed by the end of 2019.

The interior will also have a unique zoo theme, but visitors probably shouldn’t expect to hear animal sounds piped in from the speakers. Judging by the renderings, the motif will be incorporated by subtle touches like a tropical mural and what appears to be thatching or grasscloth on the walls.

The menu will also be the same as the typical Starbucks with an assortment of espresso drinks, Frappuccinos, and teas — although maybe a social media campaign will convince it to serve a monkey-ato.

Not only will the new store be a place to grab pumpkin spice lattes, but it will also help the zoo carry on its mission.

“The proceeds from this Starbucks will enable and benefit the zoological society’s efforts in both local and international conservation, education, and in zoo improvements,” explains San Antonio Zoological Society president and CEO Tim Morrow in the release.

This safari Starbucks is just the latest amenity San Antonio Zoo patrons can enjoy. On October 18, the zoo will host the reopening of the Alamo City’s iconic Kiddie Park. Plus, the site is looking better than ever, thanks to almost $40 million in infrastructure improvements that began in 2014.

news-you-can-eat openings coffee

Upper Crust

Detroit-style pizza chain from Austin opens new location at The Rim

Photo courtesy of Via 313

Via 313 is opening at The Rim after years of planning.

Detroit-style pizza is advancing through San Antonio with a new location Via 313 at The Rim. The Austin-based pizza chain is opening its third Alamo City location December 14.

The restaurant at 17315 I-10, Suite 105, marks the chain's 23rd overall. It shares a shopping center with Taco Palenque, Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Best Buy, Target, and Total Wine & More.

A grand opening celebration starting at 11 am will entertain guests with activities, a prize tent, and airbrush tattoos from 5-8 pm, according to a news release. Via 313 has pledged a quarter of the day's proceeds to ChildSafe, a local organization that prevents child abuse and helps treat survivors.

“Supporting ChildSafe is a priority for us, as it is the only nonprofit in Bexar County that coordinates medical, legal, and professional resources for children and teens experiencing abuse,” said Via 313 co-founder Brandon Hunt in the release. “We’re honored to continue giving back to an amazing organization that makes the great state of Texas better every day.”

Via 313 San Antonio Rim The new location at The Rim.Photo courtesy of Via 313

The chain opened in Austin in 2011, but didn't open its first San Antonio location until 2022. The Wurzbach Road was the of the Texas locations first outside of the Austin metro, and the location at The Rim was already in the works.

Detroit-style pizza is much different than a New York-style, namely because of the thickness of the crust and thick sauce ladled on top after baking. Via 313's gluten-free dough rises in the refrigerator for a day or two, and the cheese is a blend of two types — the website doesn't mention what the blend is, but Detroit-style pizza is often made with mozzarella and Wisconsin brick cheese. The cheese also gets spread right to the edge, so haters of bare crust need not worry.

Freed from Italian tradition, Via 313 offers everything from a simple cheese pizza to Hawaiian, Brazilian, and vegan options. One popular style, The Ambassador Bridge, features pepperoni, sausage, fresh garlic, oregano, and house-made ricotta piped on top in neat little dollops. The restaurant also offers some thin-crust "bar style" pizzas, salads, appetizers, and desserts.

“San Antonio, we’re back and ready to welcome even more of the community!” said co-founder Zane Hunt, Brandon's brother. “We’re proud and thankful to provide another space for family and friends to gather and enjoy the amazing pizza we’ve worked so hard to perfect while continuing to show up for community causes.”

Via 313 pizza Detroit-style pizzas tend to be hearty thanks to the thick crust and extra sauce.Photo courtesy of Via 313

Via 313 at The Rim will be open Mondays through Thursdays from 11 am to 10 pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 11 am to 11 pm, and Sundays from 11 am to 9 pm.