Great googly moogly! It’s always a surprise when a week passes by without any news about national chains. Though this bulletin isn’t entirely filled with sunshine, it is a reminder that local operators make San Antonio’s culinary scene exciting — not the carbon copied cynicism of huge conglomerates. Take this as a prompt to support the restaurants that are part of their communities and not just a name on a lease.

Openings and closings

New-school diner Full Belly Cafe + Bar is now flipping pancakes in Olmos Park. The second location of the brunch and breakfast favorite opened on March 5 at 4212 McCullough, the former home of Glass and Plate. The concept is the same as the North Side original, dishing up sophisticated riffs on greasy spoon classics like meatloaf, patty melts, and hash.

A week after vegan eatery Plantologyposted an impassioned plea for help reviving its business, another plant-based restaurant has shuttered. San Marcos based chain Binge Kitchentook to Instagram to announce it is suspending operations until further notice. The owners blamed “unforeseen circumstances” for the decision but did not provide details on when or if the spot would resume service.

Southtown is usually described as “arty,” but it may soon be known just as much for its sports. Erik Rosales, the entrepreneur behind Taqueria Los Cuates, will soon openHalftime Sports Tavern in the former home of his tapas joint Queso Pan y Vino at 727 S. Alamo St. The watering hole, which will also serve pizza, has not officially announced a debut date, although news site MySA reports it is expected by March 8.

Homegrown chain Las Palapas is planning to bring Schertz some sizzle. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation records show that construction will soon begin on a new location at the excessively long address 16846 I-35 N. 1016 State Highway 46 E. The build out is expected to be completed by mid-December.

Other news and notes

It seems the reports of Carlito’s Way’s death are greatly exaggerated. In February, the snack shop revealed that it was being forced to liquidate its assets after its building was put up for sale. A month later, it has a new lease on life. Via a post in the San Antonio Restaurants Facebook group, co-owner Lia Orta beamed about a new contract for the eatery, allowing it to run for another year.

Meanwhile, crime continues to plague San Antonio’s restaurant community. On March 6, the Medical Center outpost of Krazy Katsushared that it would be temporarily closed due to a burglary. Until the location gets back on its feet, fans can support the concept by visiting the Olmos Park storefront at 5257 McCullough Ave.

We’re late, we’re late, for a very important date. The good news is that a few seats are still available for Ocho’s Alice in Wonderland-themed dinner series on March 7-8. The four-course Mad Hatter’s Feast will feature whimsical dishes from chef Jesse “Kirk” Kuykendall including Wonderland Gazpacho and Queen of Hearts’ Tarts. Reservations for the curious banquet can be made online.