KITCHEN CLOSED

College-favorite food truck drops out of San Antonio after 15 years

Ricky's Tacos is the latest San Antonio eatery to shutter.

Conventional wisdom may say upscale restaurants suffer most during economic uncertainty, but in San Antonio, budget-minded family restaurants continue to take most of the brunt. On October 26, Ricky's Tacos, a college favorite known for cheap eats, became the latest local eatery to fold.

Ricky's Tacos was the type of concept that once thrived in San Antonio. The food truck, located at 6576 Babcock Road near the University of Texas San Antonio campus, had a captive audience. Despite post-pandemic pricing pressures, students could still enjoy a quality meal for less than $10.

The trailer announced the news via social media. A Ricky's representative thanked its customers for years of support in what has become a too-common local refrain. Although the 15-year-old business didn't go into details, it was candid that it has faced obstacles.

"As many of you know, running a small business comes with its unique set of challenges, and sometimes we are faced with unexpected business matters that require our full attention," read the statement. "It is with deep sadness that we must take this time to resolve those issues."

The abrupt shutter comes amid a rocky period for the Alamo City restaurant scene. Despite some upscale closures near Pearl, San Antonio is shedding mom-and-pops more rapidly. Recent victims include vegan eatery Binge Kitchen, snack shop Alamo City Addiction, and Latin concept Mi Gente.

For its part, Ricky's is not giving up on the city's culinary scene just yet. The truck framed the closure as temporary while admitting it was for the "foreseeable future."

"We hope that, in time, we can find a way forward and bring back the flavors and food you've grown to love," a representative wrote.

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In-slider knowledge

Well-known brunch eatery adds location at changing Riverwalk mall

Photo courtesy of Alamo Biscuit Co. & Panaderia

Alamo Biscuit Co. & Panaderia is joining a growing list of businesses flocking to the Shops at Rivercenter.

The well-known San Antonio brunch spot Alamo Biscuit Co. & Panaderia is continuing its takeover of the city with a third location. The new eatery is expected to open in March 2025 at 849 E. Commerce St., adjacent to the Shops at Rivercenter.

The new restaurant will span a 7,000-square-foot space, including a 1,200-square-foot patio, which will host a total of 250 guests. San Antonians may remember the space from its days as Enrique Tomás, an upscale Spanish restaurant. Things will be different at the very casual Alamo Biscuit Co., which operates more like a diner.

Biscuits are, of course, the anchoring menu item, and are served in sweet and savory flights when they're not providing support for other dishes like Nashville hot chicken, eggs Benedict with various proteins, or a classic sausage, egg, and cheese. Other specialties include pancakes (sometimes with extravagant toppings), French toast, and tacos.

The new location comes with new menu items that haven't been announced with, plus a full bar and espresso bar, according to a release.

Alamo Biscuit Co. is hiring 80-100 team members starting in January, according to the release. That will include "management, servers, cooks, and dishwashers."

The Shops at Rivercenter are in the middle of a larger renaissance. The mall opened in 1988, and has weathered the coming and going trends of retail. Since 2005, it's been owned by Ashkenazy Acquisition Corporation, which also owns famous properties like Boston's Faneuil Hall Marketplace and New York City's Plaza Hotel.

Just in 2024, projects announced at the Shops at Rivercenter include an overhaul of dining by celebrity chef Jason Dady, as well as the San Antonio debut of the trendy Australian mini-golf chain Holey Moley.

“To be invited to open a location on the San Antonio River Walk is an incredible honor and a blessing,” said Alamo Biscuit Co. owner and UTSA graduate John Vale in the release. “In just five years, Alamo Biscuit Co. has become a part of San Antonio’s culinary fabric, and now, we’ve been given the opportunity to share our passion for great food and community in what I believe is the best location in Texas. This is a gift from God and a privilege we don’t take lightly.”

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