GROCERY NEWS
Burglary delays reopening of beloved West San Antonio grocery store
A burglary has delayed the return of Culebra Meat Market's Pinn Road store.
A daytime burglary at a beloved grocer is delaying the reopening of a beloved grocer on San Antonio’s West Side. Culebra Meat Market says it was nearing the debut of its renovated store at 2407 Pinn Rd when thieves allegedly ransacked the construction site.
“Unfortunately, earlier today, our Pinn Road location, which is currently under remodel, was broken into,” the company wrote in a November 19 social media statement. “Thieves stole material, machinery, equipment, and more — items meant to help us bring a fully improved store for the community to enjoy.”
Culebra Meat Market has been an Alamo City institution since founder Ezequiel Ramirez opened the first store in 1983. Since then, it has become ubiquitous, with more than a dozen locations scattered across the area.
Its stores are typically much smaller than San Antonio’s more famous homegrown chain, H-E-B, but they serve a vital role in the city’s food system. Storefronts, including the Pinn Road outpost, often serve food deserts, neighborhoods where major grocers are more than a mile away.
In addition to selling fresh produce and baked goods, the locations have in-store taquerías. The latter has become popular for weekend Big Red and barbacoa hauls.
In recent years, the market has been modernizing its units, many of which are more than 15 years old. In August 2024, it debuted a shiny new store at 12014 Potranco Rd, built behind the original location.
Still, the chain has had a string of bad luck, including alleged incidents of shoplifting, illegal dumping, and a nauseating episode involving a woman bare-handedly stealing carnitas from a hot food display. In October, a car rammed into the front of the store on Old Pearsall Road.
Despite all the setbacks, Culebra Meat Markets’ social media presence remains gracious.
“To everyone eagerly waiting for our Pinn Road location to open, we sincerely apologize for this setback,” the company wrote. “ We will recover, rebuild, and continue pushing forward. Our commitment to serving you remains strong, and we will open soon for you all.”
