Early Check-in
Stixs & Stone chef heads new restaurant at historic San Antonio hotel
Chef Leo Davila didn't waste any time between restaurant concepts.
Just days after Chef Leo Davila announced the closure of his first brick-and-mortar restaurant, Stixs & Stones, he's revealed the next step in his culinary career. Davila will be the executive chef at a new restaurant and bar concept at the St. Anthony hotel.
A press release offered no further details about the concept, but it will presumably take over the former space of Rebelle and Haunt Lounge, which closed in January of 2025.
"The St. Anthony Hotel is such an important part of San Antonio’s history, and it’s an honor to be part of its next chapter," said Davila. "I’m excited to bring my passion for food to this iconic space, crafting menus that celebrate the rich culinary heritage of our city while introducing innovative dishes that will surprise and delight both locals and visitors alike."
It's not clear whether Davila will continue showcasing his signature hybrid of Chinese and Mexican cuisines; from how he's spoken about Stixs & Stone in the past, it sounds like the blend is in his cooking DNA (as well as his actual genes) whether he plans to highlight it or not.
The chef framed Stixs & Stone's closure as a sign of health, explaining that it would have to happen to make space for a new opportunity.
"Chef Davila’s talent, creativity, and deep connection to the flavors of South Texas make him the perfect fit for The St. Anthony Hotel," said the hotel's general manager, Maria Martinez. "We are confident that his culinary vision will not only enhance our dining offerings but also reinforce The St. Anthony as a premier destination for food and hospitality in San Antonio."
When Rebelle closed, Chef Stefen Bowers posted a long and candid public address on social media airing grievances about how hotel management handled the transition, which included his firing in December. Bowers landed on his feet, though, seeing immediate popularity at his new restaurant, Pumpers.
Both Davila and Bowers have current nominations in CultureMap San Antonio's 2025 Tastemaker Awards: both are nominated for Chef of the Year, and Pumpers was nominated for Best New Restaurant. The latter is a fan-voted competition that's still underway, although Pumpers didn't make it to the current bracket.
