NEWS YOU CAN EAT
A crazy closure and summertime launches wake up San Antonio restaurant news
Summer in San Antonio’s hospitality world usually brings about the doldrums. When the thermometer is permanently parked at Angry Bird red, the poolside seltzers seem more enticing than beef Bourguignon. After a few sluggish weeks, however, the pace is picking up with a slate of newcomers and a burger bonanza.
Openings and closings
Just weeks after pleading for customer help in weathering a downturn, fast-casual upstart Krazy Katsu shuttered its Medical Center location. In the social media announcement, the business said the closure was “until further notice,” but gave no sign if or when it would return. The Olmos Park outpost will run as normal.
El Paso import Buen Día will greet its first guests on June 10. As previously reported, the restaurant has been renovating the former home of Earl Abel’s since February. The AM eatery specializes in chilaquiles, serving six varieties ranging from a creamy tomatillo-serrano to a smoky chipotle.
Korean fried chicken continues to make inroads in San Antonio with the impending opening of Seoul franchise bb.q Chicken. An eagle-eyed member of the San Antonio Restaurants Facebook group spotted a “coming soon” sign at 8000 Pat Booker Rd. #100, the space recently vacated by Milt’s Pit BBQ. Once the renovation is complete,guests can expect 14 variations of the chain’s signature dish, ranging from ultra hot Wings of Fire to milder Caribbean.
North Central bar Wetmore City Limits has come back from the grave. The longtime hangout at 12329 Wetmore Rd., which closed in February, is being resuscitated as a new concept, Wetmore Beach House. Although frequent social media photos show progress on the completely revamped interior, the opening appears to be some weeks away.
Other news and notes
For a sixth year, local restaurants are flipping patties in support of San Antonio Food Bank. During San Antonio Burger Week, held June 14-24, guests can chow down on $8-$12 burger specials from some of the area’s most celebrated spots including Brasserie Mon Chou Chou, Carriqui, Lucy Coopers Ice House, and Supper. Check out all participants and download the free app on the website.
Garcia Barbecue has entered into one of the restaurant world’s most raging debates. Via an Instagram Reel, owner and pitmaster Jonathan Garcia explained that his pop-up would no longer offer discounts or accept tips. Saying it was “the right thing to do,” Garcia explained the move was about making sure employees were paid living wages.
