Editor's note: We get it. It can be difficult to keep up with the fast pace of San Antonio's restaurant and bar scene. We have you covered with our weekly roundup of essential food news.

Openings and closings

Though the first local Swig location has yet to be opened, the Utah-based company is already moving forward on a sequel. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) filings tease a second store in the Ashton Gray Development at 14633 Potranco Rd. The chain is most famous for being the breakout star of an Olivia Rodrigo TikTok featuring the pop star holding a dirty soda — a drink customized with add-ins, syrups, and creamers. Whether that's a bad idea will be decided sometime in spring 2025.

A new tenant is now open at Make Ready Market downtown. On December 20, EET Upturned the open sign around to announce it would hold Wednesday through Sunday hours from 11 am to 10 pm. The concept will serve burgers, fries, shakes, and an admirably thick chocolate chip cookie.

Another day, another chain. Pollo Campero is the latest franchise eyeing the Alamo City market in what has become a weekly ritual. The Guatemalan-born business specializes in fried or grilled chicken with sides running the gamut from mashed potatoes to yuca fries. According to a press release, the company hopes to open as many as 15 outposts in the area.

San Antonio's relatively small Sichuan scene is getting a new addition. According to TDLR records, Ping's Sichuan Kitchen will complete a buildout at 2339 E. Evans Rd. #103 in June 2024. Other than the general type of cuisine, no further details appear to be available. The restaurant does not appear to have established a social media presence or website.

River City's rash of restaurant closures continues with the loss of the Stone Oak location of Tlahco Mexican Kitchen. The interior Mexican eatery posted a goodbye on Instagram on December 20, informing customers that the restaurant had ended its two-year run. The original location on 6702 San Pedro Ave. will remain open.

Other news and notes

Amid hard times for America's craft beer industry, an East Side standout is making a hard left. In a December 19 statement, Black Laboratory Brewingannounced that it will stop producing beer beginning January 1, 2024. The tasting room will continue to operate, serving the brand's seltzers and beer from other makers. Both in-house pours and cans will no longer be on the market once the current stock is depleted.

A New Braunfels baker dominated the Food Network's Holiday Baking Championship, winning the 10th season's $25,000 pot. Ashley Landerman of 2Tarts Bakery is no stranger to knocking out the competition. In 2019, she won the channel's Christmas Cookie Challenge.