If you can’t beat them, join them. That seems to be the mantra of San Antonio business owners fighting the big chains with their own versions of fast-food staples like smash burgers and chicken tenders. Another reason to eat local? Unlike most turnkey franchises, places across the Alamo City sell booze.

Openings and closings

After seeing two short-lived concepts come and go, another restaurant is giving it a go at 520 E. Grayson St. Smash’dquietly debuted on April 12 in the former home of Summer Camp and Hello Paradise. Like the former, the restaurant is helmed by former Bandit BBQ pitmaster Brandon Peterson. As the name implies, Texas Wagyu smash burgers are on the menu, along with corn dogs and burritos.

The latest project of prolific barman Ricky Ortiz — the owner of Ay Que Chula, Besame, and El Camino — opened on April 5 at 6565 Babcock Road #9. As the name implies, Perfect Tender cooks up Nashville-style hot chicken in a sports bar atmosphere with games and multiple flat screens. Unlike Ortiz’s previous ventures, the neon is kept at a minimum.

Popular food truck Birria Kings is riding off into the sunset. In a Facebook post, the four-year-old business said it was closing permanently on April 28. Many of its fans expressed disbelief, noting that the trailer always appeared busy. The owners did not explain the sudden move.

Utah-based dirty soda purveyor Fiiz Drinks has gone flat in San Antonio. In an Instagram statement, the local operators said it was closing on April 21 due to “situations beyond [their] control. The chain had only been operating in San Antonio since February 2023, opening a shop on the Broadway corridor before expanding to Converse. The chain seems to have not thrown in the towel, however. The post expressed a desire to return to the Alamo City market soon.

The building formerly housing Boerne’s Dog & Pony Grill won’t be vacant long. Pure Country BBQ & Grill, not to be confused with George Strait’s acting debut, took to social media to fire up excitement for its May 3 debut. The owners explained that they had been long-time fans of Dog & Pony and were excited to continue its family friendly atmosphere. The spot is the owner’s second run at restaurant life. They previously operated the concept out of a convenience store in Whitsett.

Other news and notes

Broadway bar Bentley’s is taking a break for a little spiffing up. Via Instagram, the watering hole said it would be closed indefinitely for renovations. According to the post, sibling spots Let’s Be Honest and Brooklyn Bar would remain open.

San Antonio-born Church’s Chicken is launching its first-ever hot sauce. The 10-part Hulu series Superhot: The Spicy World of Pepper People recently featured the development of the condiment, a blend of habanero peppers, red chilies, and roasted garlic. The spicy dipper is now available at locations nationwide.