NEWS YOU CAN EAT
Vegan troubles and new wave of closures petrify San Antonio dining news
Binge Kitchen has been forced to close it doors due to unpaid rent.
As All Hallows' Eve approaches, it's a blood-curdling time for San Antonio restaurants and bars. Still, this dining news week is not all about jump scares. A local chef has debuted a gourmet Crunchwrap Supreme, and some local eateries are getting major props.
Closings
Unpaid rent has forced plant-based eatery Binge Kitchen to shutter. The vegan favorite candidly explained its dilemma on social media, asking each of its followers to donate $3. In a later post announcing a GoFundMe campaign, the owners expanded that supply chain issues and rising costs have crippled the business despite its strategy for getting back on its feet. Less than $2,000 has been raised toward the $15,000 goal.
Austin-based cheesesteak chain Texadelphia has pulled out of San Antonio — again. The latest denouement comes via an oddly peppy Facebook message. Once prominent across Central Texas, the brand ran a San Antonio restaurant over a decade ago before opening the Babcock Road location. The hometown market in Austin proved to be just as tenuous. The franchise currently only has one location in the capital city.
Rebrands aren't always a cure-all for Alamo City's rocky restaurant environment. In January, owner Javier BarronreworkedMartha's Mexican Restaurant as the hipper Mi Gente. Now, he is closing the doors. In a frank Facebook statement, Barron explained that his plate was too full to juggle home, health, and business responsibilities. He did not specify the last day of business.
Olmos Perk on McCullough Avenue has closed, but it's not down for the count. After two decades of slinging lattes, the longstanding coffee shop is renovating its storefront. There's no word yet on plans to reopen.
Other news and notes
Best Quality Daughter's Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin has debuted her take on Taco Bell's Crunchwrap Supreme. In February, the local chef was named one of three culinarians selected to remake the fast food dish as part of an initiative celebrating emerging chefs. Dobbertin's Thai-inspired Crunchwrap was introduced at three New York City pop-ups from October 15-17, but it may take a while to make it to San Antonio.
Two San Antonio favorites were among the dishes selected for Texas Highways' 50 Burgers Worth the Drive roundup. The magazine praised Cullum's Attaboy for its Wagyu patty slathered in Gruyere, while Reese Bros. Barbecue got kudos for its take on the iconic bean burger.
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium is embracing the nippier weather with its second annual Oktoberfeast. From 2-6 pm on October 26, guests can relish over 12 two-ounce beer pours for $45-$75. A portion of the proceeds will benefit cancer-awareness organization Pints for Prostates. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.
