One of Texas' most iconic dance halls is finally getting its due. For the first time in its 145-year-old history, Gruene Hall has been nominated as Best Club of the Year by the Academy of Country Music.
It's an honor that has been a long time coming. Built in 1878, the legendary venue bills itself as "the oldest continually run dance hall in Texas." Over the years, the honky tonk has hosted some of country music's most celebrated names, including Willie Nelson, Jerry Jeff Walker, and Merle Haggard. It has also been an early testing ground for countless musicians. George Strait, Hal Ketchum, and Lyle Lovett are among the fresh-faced talent that kickstarted careers on Gruene's stage.
Throughout all those barn-burning performances, Gruene Hall has remained largely unchanged. Its original layout has been preserved, with side flaps for open-air dancing, a bar in the front, a small lighted stage in the back, and a huge outdoor garden. Today, visitors two-step under Gruene's tin roof seven days a week.
"We've been extremely fortunate to have so many cool things happen at the Hall, and being nominated for an ACM Award is another example of one of those unexpected things we get to be a part of," says Mary Jane Nalley, cofounder of Gruene Hall, via a release. "It's our first time being nominated, which is kind of crazy and super thrilling."
Other nominees for the award include Coyote Joe's in Charlotte, Grizzly Rose in Denver, Joe's on Weed Street in Chicago, and Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth. Notably, no Nashville venues made it to the shortlist.
The 58th Academy of Country Music Awards will be hosted by Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks on May 11 at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Gruene Hall, however, will be kept on pins and needles a little longer. The Industry Award winners will be announced at the Academy of Country Music Honors, a special event held in August at the hallowed Ryman Auditorium.
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A South Korean bakery and a boozy gym pump up San Antonio bar and restaurant news
Whatever one may think of its prices, most locals can agree that Fiesta is no time for bad tidings. As San Antonio enters its busiest weekend of the year, no restaurant closures have harshed the vibe. Here's hoping the weather is equally accommodating.
Openings
A South Korean bakery chain is checking in at downtown's Gunter Hotel. As the downtown property undergoes renovation, its owner, Jiwon Choi Song, is taking on the side project of introducing Paris Baguette to the San Antonio market. A worldwide goliath with more than 4,000 locations, the shops sell a variety of pastries and desserts alongside café favorites like gourmet salads and sandwiches.
A new food truck park will soon settle at 14769 Old Bandera Rd. in Old Town Helotes. According to Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) filings, the aptly named Old Town Helotes Family Food Park will include a putting green and four pickleball courts. Construction is planned to wrap up in early September.
Although fitness cultists may argue otherwise, it's indisputable that exercise is more tolerable when it doesn't feel like exercise. Oonce-oonce gym ALIO Fitness Club is banking on that as it opens a new location combining barbells, baristas, and booze. Per TDLR records, House of ALIO Fitness House X Social will include an adjacent coffeehouse and cocktail lounge, Unhireable Coldbrew & Cocktails. The 1533 North Main Ave. complex is expected to be completed in September.
After a more than two-year hiatus, popular Deco District burger joint Danny Boy's Hamburgers is back flipping patties. In a cheeky social media note, the owners declared, "When the flags are flying, we're grilling." There's no word on why the temporary closing was so drawn out, but better late than never.
Other news and notes
One of San Antonio's most well-attended parties is pushing back against the rabble that Fiesta prices have gotten out of control. In a Facebook message, A Night in Old San Antonio said, "Ignore the rumor that NIOSA has increased prices! 95 percent of our food and drink dishes are the same price as last year...including our frosty cold beer, and favorites like Mr. Chicken, Anticuchos, Maria's Tortillas, Bongo K Bobs...the list goes on and on!" Keeping a tradition as old as Fiesta, commentators complained that the event served smaller portions of food and drink. The lucrative cascarone market, meanwhile, continues to be unbothered by the debate.
Fast-casual newcomer Krazy Katsu is the latest restaurant to plead for support weathering San Antonio's turbulent hospitality market. Via Instagram, it shared that its business has suffered in the last couple of months. The downturn in business comes after the locally owned business's Medical Center outpost was burglarized on March 6.