One of San Antonio’s most popular food trucks is taking a hiatus while it figures out its next steps. Chi Chi Birds Hot Chicken, known for its spicy sandwiches, says that it is ending its run at Southtown’s Bruno’s Dive Bar and will remain “temporarily closed until further notice.”

“We want to give a huge thank you to the Newmans [Jody and Steve], the Bruno’s staff, and all the beautiful people we had the pleasure of meeting at that little dive bar in Southtown. Y’all helped make it feel like home, and we’ll always be grateful for the love and support,” wrote the truck in an Instagram statement.

Owner and chef Caleb Lott founded the concept in 2018 as a private, underground “restaurant” in his dad’s backyard, quickly going public as a roving kitchen that popped up at now-shuttered spots like The Squeezebox and Sangria on the Burg.

In 2019, he found a brick-and-mortar home at Shenanygans Sports Bar & Lounge on the Northwest Side.“It was time to move on to something bigger and better,” said Lott at the time.

Chi Chi Birds was one of San Antonio’s first concepts to offer Nashville-style hot chicken — served in sandwiches, tacos, tenders, mac ‘n’ cheese bowls, and — naturally — on a stick.

Throughout the run, Lott has kept his options open, debuting new tacos dorados pop-up Pony Boys in October 2025 and frequently collaborating with chef collective Friends of Flavor. Although Chi Chi Birds is taking a rest for now, the statement made it clear that the concept would not be retiring forever.

“Now it’s time for the next chapter,” wrote the truck. “We’re actively looking for a new place to plant roots — whether that’s a permanent home (with the right opportunity) or popping up to serve your business, community, neighborhood, or event.”