SUDDEN SHUTTERS

Promising San Antonio Latin gastropub withers after only 6 months

Diez Flores' fare was inspired by 10 Latin cuisines.

Although the bloodletting appears to be temporarily bandaged, the closure of a promising new concept proves San Antonio’s independent restaurants aren’t yet out of the woods. After only six months in business, Southtown upstart Diez Flores threw in the towel via an earnest social media statement.

The announcement did not explain the reasoning, but small Alamo City businesses are increasingly plagued by bugaboos ranging from construction to rising rents. It’s clear that decision was dispiriting.

“This place has been more than just a business,” the team shared. “It’s been a home, a gathering spot, and a community hub where countless memories have been made.”

Diez Flores debuted in December 2023 with two vets of the San Antonio’s scene — Folklores Coffee House owner Tatu Herrera and bar pro Hector Vargas — at the helm. The menu paid homage to 10 diverse Latin cuisines through a variety of sandwiches, salads, and small tapas-like bites.

The interior did not quite align with today’s Instagram-friendly norm, but the product gave plenty of fodder for the feed. Cocktails were adorned with fresh flowers or edible gold leaf, and even humble dishes like chicharrónes were fully plated.

Like Folklores, the "gastro-cantina" was also imagined as a community hub. The spot was fully programmed with karaoke nights, live music, and themed evenings in line with the cultural focus of the bar like weekly Noche Latina Sabados.

Ultimately, those efforts proved to be for naught. San Antonio used to be defined by slightly shaggy concepts like Diez Flores that prioritized creativity over budget. That era seems more distant as the city struggles to keep what makes it unique.

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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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