The conventional wisdom goes that today’s restaurant patrons are looking for experiences over solid, affordable food. That may be proven true in San Antonio this week as a dining stalwart closes and a curious new concept gives it a go.

Openings and closings

A dose of whimsy is coming to the former home of nouveau riche eatery Ace of Steaks. As first reported by news site MySA, local operator Paul Butler will open the Alice in Wonderland-themed White Rabbit at 20626 Stone Oak Pkwy. #103 sometime in April. Although the restaurant does not appear to have set up a social media presence, it has posted a full menu online. The globally inspired offerings include arancini, a Cubano sandwich, po’ boys, and Baja-style tacos.

A restaurant closure has left hangover-ridden locals high and dry. The Jim’s Restaurant at 4108 Broadway abruptly shuttered March 5, according to a sign posted on the location’s door. The outpost has been slinging hashbrowns and onion rings since 1971, but recently has suffered staffing issues. The chain still operates 14 locations between Austin and San Antonio.

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. In April 2023, Arizona-based chain Hash Kitchen looked set to take over the former Fiesta San Antonio Commission office at 2611 Broadway. Now, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation records show the company will start building its first San Antonio location at 5534 N 1604 W. Landmark Pkwy in May. Commercial real estate broker Harper/ Huddleston lists the Broadway spot as for lease, although it is not clear when or if Hash abandoned its plans. Wherever it opens, Hash will join a long list of other brunch-oriented franchises in the city, including First Watch and Snooze.

A new Vietnamese restaurant is readying the confetti for its grand opening on March 30. In addition to its eponymous sandwich, Banh Mi 102 will bring milk tea, smoothies, and coffee to 7531 Bandera Rd. #106. The opening day deals include free combos for the first 25 guests and a 40-percent discount for all others.

Playa Bowls, the fruity franchise headquartered in tropical New Jersey, is doubling its Alamo City footprint. The chain, which currently runs three locations outside the Loop, has committed to building three more locations in the area, according to a recent press release. The company did not divulge the timeline nor the locations of the upcoming stores.

Other news and notes

Sichuan House is the latest San Antonio restaurant to nail down the slipper coordinates of Flavortown. In a social media post, the restaurant touted a recent visit from flame-shirted everyman Guy Fieri. The Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives episode, “From Spicy to Sticky,” will air at 8 pm on March 29.