NEWS YOU CAN EAT
4 unexpected shutters dampen San Antonio restaurant news
Fourth of July fireworks are about to pop, lake excursions are planned, and most folks are merely somewhat irked by the upcoming election. Of course, San Antonio’s turbulent restaurant scene had to deliver a pre-holiday bummer. This week, four restaurants said their good-byes — from a beloved diner to Greed Decade relic.
Closings
After 54 years in business, the Jim’s Restaurant at San Pedro and Hildebrand hung up its apron on June 25. The closing comes on the heels of the chain’s closing its Broadway location in March. Unlike in the earlier shutter, the business did offer an official statement on its Facebook page, citing “challenges posed by our current economy and rising operational costs at this location.”
Popular Tex-Mex mini chain La Hacienda de los Barriosis halting operations at its Scenic Loop outlet on June 30. Via social media, the owners cited a variety of woes leading up to the decision, including lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, staffing shortages, road construction, and increased competition on the I-10 corridor. The spot will remain open for private rentals until November 30 and the other locations under the Los Barrios umbrella will not be affected.
Olmos Park eatery A Way to the Heart has closed its more casual bistro concept. In a candid Facebook statement, the owners shared that the lunchtime eatery had become “unsustainable” due “low turnout and high costs.” The main restaurant, found in the same spot, will continue to focus on prix fixe dining experiences and the bistro menu will reappear occasionally at pop-ups.
Who woulda thunk it? Mildly titillating breastaurant Hooter’s has closed its River Walk location at 849 E. Commerce St. #105. The culling comes as the chain is shuttering several underperforming outlets across 14 states, a move meant to focus the brand’s efforts on international expansion and packaged foods. Those nostalgic for ‘80s chauvinism and L’eggs control-top tights can still order chicken wings at four area locations.
Other news and notes
San Antonio's Jesse “Kirk” Kuykendall will once again be in the spotlight on the Food Network. On July 2, the chef behind Ocho and Milpa, will have a $500 budget to convert common grocery store ingredients into a fine dining masterpiece on Super Market Stakeout. This is his second time to appear on the foodie channel, having previously won Chopped.
Italian pizza guide 50 Top Pizza has ranked Southtown joint Il Forno among the nation’s best pies. The popular pizzeria, helmed by chef Michael Sohocki, has twice previously been on the prestigious list. This year, he nabbed the 24th spot.