On the chilliest week of the year, San Antonio is warming up to a boom in new Asian concepts. But all is not cozy in the area’s culinary scene. A dastardly group of ne’er-do-wells ripped off a beloved local chain while an ostentatious steakhouse proved all that glitters isn’t gold.

Openings and closings

An all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue chain is firing up its first San Antonio outpost. According to records at the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), GEN Korean BBQ House will begin constructing a new restaurant at 11745 I-10 #410 in early March. Though details on the menu have not yet been released, other locations vaunt a huge menu of various proteins, vegetables, cocktails, and Korean specialties like japchae. According to the filing, the buildout is expected to wrap up by September.

TDLR documents also show that two neighboring concepts are coming to 4788 NW LOOP 410. Lin’s Sushi Restaurant and JPOT Restaurant will occupy suites 106 and 102, respectively, after the interiors are finished in May. Although similarly named concepts exist elsewhere, the upcoming eateries do not appear to be part of a chain. Both are registered to an Arlington LLC.

After less than a year in business, flashy Stone Oak steakhouse Ace of Steaks has suddenly shuttered. Opened in February 2023, the restaurant with a Las Vegas-style vibe set a new standard of audaciousness for the Alamo City market, touting indulgences like a $1,000 gold-plated tomahawk steak and a Midas-touched $100 burger. The owners offered no reasoning behind the move, silently deleting its social media presence and website. But perhaps in the era of quiet luxury, Balenciaga Crocs look hopelessly déclassé.

Freight Fried Chicken, the latest project from acclaimed local chef Nicola Blaque, officially opened on January 13. As previously reported, the Pearl Bottling Department food hall concept draws its inspiration from the inspiring entrepreneurship of Black women during Reconstruction. In addition to fried chicken, guests can order biscuits, sides like mac ‘n’ cheese, and vegetarian sandwiches.

Other news and notes

A locally owned mini-chain is suffering a string of bad luck. First, on January 14, a group of thieves hitSmashin Crab’s commissary kitchen three times, making off with over $5,000 of equipment and merchandise. Then, on January 17, the Bandera Road location was forced to temporarily close due to a water main breakage in its complex. The Stone Oak and Alamo ranch outposts remain open should locals want to invest in culinary karma.

A long-running Cibolo bar is recovering from its own calamity. Old Main Ice House has been temporarily closed since November 9, 2023, after an early morning blaze raged through its interior. Luckily, the structure was viable, and the watering hole will pour pints again starting January 18.

A culinary power couple is joining forces to give River City the ole razzle-dazzle. Chef John Russ of Clementine is collaborating with Ladino chef Berty Richter for a one-night-only Mediterranean feast at the Pearl restaurant on January 29. The eye-popping prix-fixe will include 15 dishes and optional nonalcoholic pairings. Cocktails, beer, and wine will be available for purchase for those who do not celebrate Dry January. Tickets are $125 — not including beverages, taxes, or gratuity — and are available online.