DÉJÀ VU

Another modern Mexican restaurant folds at troubled Pearl-area spot

Ay Caramba Taco Cantina has shuttered after less than a year in business.

As the old chestnut goes, running a successful restaurant relies on three things: location, location, location. Still, sometimes the most plum of spots seem to be unable to make the spell work, kicking concepts to the side like a Gravitron.

There’s no record of 1915 Broadway being cursed. Certainly, no mysterious amulets have been found on the grounds. But for the second time in two years, a promising eatery has shuttered at the address.

In a terse Instagram statement, Ay Caramba Taco Cantina announced its sudden closure. The modern taqueria cited “unforeseen circumstances” and an ownership change for the move, providing few other details.

Original owner Flabio Vásquez debuted the eatery in October 2023, touting the flavors of his native Jalisco. Like many emergent concepts of its ilk, Ay Caramba sported a social media-friendly aesthetic, a quick-service format, and a full bar.

The restaurant was a quick replacement for Señor Fish, an Austin-owned seafood joint that opened in February 2021. Like Ay Caramba, the restaurant had an abrupt departure. Skipping an announcement, Señor Fish scrubbed its web presence before most observers realized it was being replaced.

Both were preceded by Tacos and Tequila, part of a mini-chain of Texas restaurants that had slightly more longevity, closing in October 2017 after a three-year run.

It’s difficult to pinpoint what is spinning the revolving door. If anything, the Mosaic building’s position has grown more desirable as new housing lines the corridor and Pearl continues to expand. Nearby eateries appear to draw robust crowds.

All three concepts did share a similar point of view, however. Whether focusing on mariscos or tacos, each focused on “elevating” regional Mexican fare. With its surfeit of options selling comparably inspired fare, San Antonio may prefer the less glossy versions.

Ay Caramba for its part has not yet admitted to a defeat. The restaurant claims it is remodeling the still-fresh space, although no timeline has been established for a possible revival. Maybe a pesky haunted doll will be discovered in a walk-in. Until then, CultureMap will monitor the space for new signs of life.

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Better Days, Same Burgers

Shuttered San Antonio burger joint stages surprising comeback

Teddy B's/Facebook

Teddy B's has made a surprise comeback.

Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of Teddy B's life. In October, the popular burger joint shuttered its decade-old location on Babcock Road, grieving a loss of foot traffic and rising costs. On November 20, the spot revealed a plot twist. The owners are now slinging patties at 9903 Fredericksburg Rd.

"Dear Teddy B's customers, we have good news," the restaurant posted on social media. "We are back in business...We are waiting for our new sign, but we are up and running."

The unexpected comeback is the culmination of a tumultuous year for the business. As the restaurant marked its 10-year milestone this summer, the outlook was much darker. On August 4, the restaurant took to social media to warn that closure could be imminent. A traffic decline affected Teddy B's ability to maintain its affordable price point.

The messaging worked, at least in the short term. Days later, the restaurant reported an increase in business. The marketing language was hopeful until October 13, when the restaurant abruptly announced it was closing for good.

The news of Teddy B's rebirth came just as suddenly. After a month-long social media silence, the restaurant announced it had taken over the former home of Burger Haven. The latter restaurant was little known, appearing to operate mainly as a ghost kitchen.

Assumably, burgers will be back on the menu, but it is unclear whether other favorites will be eliminated to streamline the operation. The business has not posted any revisions, and its website is down at press time.

The burger joint's comeback manifests as other shuttered legacy restaurants like The Lion and Rose and Fratello's have staged their own returns. While Teddy B's has offered no reasoning for getting back into the game, it is a testament to the resiliency of San Antonio's culinary community.

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