For those wondering when the old La Madeleine site in Alamo Heights would begin saying “gracias” instead of “merci beaucoup,” Los Tios has an update. After originally projecting a summer 2025 opening, the Houston-based Tex-Mex chain says it will finally open its first San Antonio location in the early fall.
Locals have been watching construction at 4820 Broadway St. for several months. Adair Concepts, the hospitality group that now owns the Los Tios brand, announced the move shortly after La Madeleine closed its longest-running San Antonio location in January 2025.
At the time, it seemed like the construction would be a relatively simple flip, but it turns out the work will be a more complete transformation. Although La Madeleine’s signature Mansard roof is still there, new renderings show a central fountain, arched windows, and a spacious patio divided by terracotta breeze blocks.
Alamo Heights is particularly meaningful to Alice Adair, wife of co-owner Nick Adair, who spent much of her childhood in the neighborhood.
"This neighborhood holds so many memories for me. I went to elementary school right around the corner, and I lived right down the street," said Alice in a release. "Bringing Los Tios to Alamo Heights isn’t about parachuting into San Antonio because it's a good market. It's coming back to where I grew up, and giving love back to a place that shaped who I am."
Los Tios serves Tex-Mex classic like carne asada.Los Tios/ Facebook
Although Los Tios may be unfamiliar to some San Antonians, it is a household name in its native location. Rosemary Garbett and husband Thomas M. Garbett Jr. founded the spot in 1970. According to local lore, the restaurant introduced frozen margaritas to the Houston market. We can not vouch for that claim (Dallasite Mariano Martinez kickstarted the craze in 1971 by converting a soft-serve machine), but we won't begrudge them the hometown pride.
The San Antonio Los Tios is only the second location outside its founding city. The mini-chain spread out to Fredericksburg in April 2025. In Alamo City, Adair Concepts acknowledges that it has plenty of competition jostling for the Tex-Mex buck.
While the menu of puffy tacos, chalupas, fajitas, and enchiladas may be similar to other spots in town, it is banking on locals enjoying the total experience.
"We pride ourselves on being family-friendly and surrounding our guests in authentic decor we source ourselves, and menus that are as delicious as they are wallet-friendly," Alice continued. "In a city beloved for its Tex-Mex offerings, we’re excited to usher in a fun atmosphere for families with food that feels, and tastes, like home."
