It's Freezing Out Here

Andy's Frozen Custard opens new San Antonio location with free treats

Andy's Frozen Custard is opening December 11 on Potranco Road.

Even as winter approaches, Andy’s Frozen Custard is confident in San Antonians' appetite for frozen custard. Its new location soft opens at 9703 Potranco Rd. on Wednesday, December 11, with free offers for early visitors. A grand opening will take place from December 13-15.

This location was announced in July, and is actually arriving a few weeks ahead of schedule. It's the third San Antonio location for the Springfield, Missouri-based chain, which made its Alamo City debut in 2022. Get ready to share the space with lots of families, since it neighbors John Paul Stevens High School and Dr. Winn Murnin Elementary.

On December 11, says a release, the first 10 visitors will all get $100 Andy's gift cards.

From December 13-15, there will be free one-topping Sundays for kids up to 12 years old. There will also be a visit from Santa from 4-6 pm, and he'll also stop by some other locations listed below.

The release points out that this location is unique among the San Antonio shops because it offers both a drive-through and walk-up service.

There is a noticeable difference between ice cream and frozen custard. Andy's custard is denser and smoother than most ice cream.

The menu at Andy's focuses on Concretes (custard blended with toppings and served with a spoon) and sundaes, but it's also possible to order a simple cone. Customers can also get pints and quarts to go.

"Andy’s fans on San Antonio’s west side have been asking for a location closer to home, and we’re thrilled to finally deliver,” said franchise owner Joseph Shields in a press release. He also owns and operates the other San Antonio locations with his wife, Andrea Shields.

"San Antonio has embraced Andy’s with open arms, and this new location is a celebration of the city’s love for great food, family, and tradition," Mr. Sheilds added. "For anyone who enjoys a classic trip out for ice cream, we invite you to experience frozen custard and taste the difference. We’re excited to continue sharing sweet memories and even sweeter treats with the incredible people of San Antonio.”'

Dates and locations for Santa's visits to Andy's Frozen Custard are:

Tuesday, December 10: Andy’s Frozen Custard (Stone Oak) — 23438 Wilderness Oak, from 4-6 pm
Wednesday, December 11: Andy’s Frozen Custard (Potranco) — 9703 Potranco Rd, from 4-6 pm
Thursday, December 12: Andy’s Frozen Custard (Rim) — 17927 I-10, from 4-6 pm

ice cream desserts openings kids families

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.