Wake up, San Antonio. This week’s restaurant news roundup brings word of three new coffee shops hoping to perk up the morning commute. Elsewhere, country star Chris Stapleton stopped by a taqueria for some local flavor, and CultureMap is preparing to break out the bubbly for our annual Tastemaker Awards.

Openings

A small Dearborn, Michigan-based chain will soon bring new flavors to San Antonio’s caffeine scene. Haraz Coffee will brew jubani, a typically light Yemeni roast brewed with spices like cardamom and ginger. The concept, to be located at 10907 Culebra Rd. #120, will finish its buildout in May 2026, according to state records.

Ahead of its 10th anniversary, CommonWealth Coffeehouse & Bistro is brewing a new location in Stone Oak. A press release says the outpost will have the same menu of salads, pastries, and espresso drinks as its sibling shops but did not pinpoint an exact address. The move comes despite a tangle of trouble facing the business, including a foreclosure of the near-Broadway location and a pending lawsuit over unpaid bills.

Completing this week’s buzzy trifecta, Nebraska chain Scooter’s Coffee is building a new location in Balcones Heights. The company, known for its signature Caramelicious drinks, already has three franchises in Alamo City. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filings indicate the 4441 Fredricksburg Rd. shop will be percolating once construction winds down in December.

Other news and notes

Grammy winner Chris Stapleton stopped by Jalisco Taqueria No. 4 at 3319 S. Gevers St. while in San Antonio for the men’s Final Four weekend. The country music star was kind enough to pose with patrons, but no one captured his order. Since it was a daytime visit, presumably, the taco did not come with a chaser of Tennessee whiskey.

The viral Dubai chocolate trend continues to boil to a fever pitch. La Panadería has introduced a new concha inspired by the trendy Arab treat. The green and brown pastry, filled with pistachio ganache and Nutella, will be available through April 20.

Austin IPA whiz kids Pinthouse Pizza has teamed up with JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa on a collaborative beer, Hill Country Kolsch. The blonde ale is now available at Pinthouse locations and the resort’s food and beverage venues.

Hotel Emma added to its packed slate of culinary talent by appointing two new chefs. Joshua Scott was enlisted as the luxury property’s food and beverage director, overseeing Sternewirth, Larder, and Supper. Mark Metzger received a sweet gig as Supper’s new executive pastry chef.

Lastly, today (April 10) is the day of our annual Tastemaker Awards at Briscoe Museum, our annual ode to the best San Antonio’s food and beverage scene has to offer. The event is almost sold out, so snag a ticket now, then check in later tonight when we reveal the winners.