TEE TIME

Mini golf entertainment concept swings into San Antonio with Tiger Woods-designed course

PopStroke is swinging into San Antonio.

The name may sound like a celebrity gossip site, but the latest hospitality chain coming to San Antonio has nothing to do with Hollywood intrigue. Well, at least one household name is involved — golf legend Tiger Woods.

According to Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation records, the entertainment concept PopStroke is teeing up to enter the Alamo City market at Anthem Parkway and Presidio Parkway. The five-million-dollar buildout, set to wrap up in early August, will include 37 golf holes and an outdoor children’s playground, according to the filing.

The Florida-based brand first teased the news in an April press release sharing its plan to open thirteen new venues, including outposts in North Dallas and College Station. The company first dipped its toes into the Texas market in 2021 with a complex in Katy.

PopStroke venues are centered around two 18-hole miniature golf courses designed by Woods’ TGR Design team — offering options for novice and seasoned putters (the 37th hole mentioned in TDLR records remains a mystery). Guests play with special edition TaylorMade golf balls, which can be pocketed as a keepsake.

In addition to games, the spot offers a full food menu of pub grub like nachos, wings, and sandwiches. Though approachable, it’s not without a few upscale flourishes — tuna tartare is served with English cucumber and microgreens, and the street tacos have a dollop of chimichurri.

For drinks, PopStroke offers wine, domestic beers, and local selections on draft. The place also has a full bar with cocktails like the Kick Your Putt Margarita (Waka! Waka!) and peach puree-sweetened Irish Tee Time.

There’s no word yet on the opening date, but if construction goes to plan, PopShelf should be swinging by early fall.

Upper Crust

Detroit-style pizza chain from Austin opens new location at The Rim

Photo courtesy of Via 313

Via 313 is opening at The Rim after years of planning.

Detroit-style pizza is advancing through San Antonio with a new location Via 313 at The Rim. The Austin-based pizza chain is opening its third Alamo City location December 14.

The restaurant at 17315 I-10, Suite 105, marks the chain's 23rd overall. It shares a shopping center with Taco Palenque, Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Best Buy, Target, and Total Wine & More.

A grand opening celebration starting at 11 am will entertain guests with activities, a prize tent, and airbrush tattoos from 5-8 pm, according to a news release. Via 313 has pledged a quarter of the day's proceeds to ChildSafe, a local organization that prevents child abuse and helps treat survivors.

“Supporting ChildSafe is a priority for us, as it is the only nonprofit in Bexar County that coordinates medical, legal, and professional resources for children and teens experiencing abuse,” said Via 313 co-founder Brandon Hunt in the release. “We’re honored to continue giving back to an amazing organization that makes the great state of Texas better every day.”

Via 313 San Antonio Rim The new location at The Rim.Photo courtesy of Via 313

The chain opened in Austin in 2011, but didn't open its first San Antonio location until 2022. The Wurzbach Road was the of the Texas locations first outside of the Austin metro, and the location at The Rim was already in the works.

Detroit-style pizza is much different than a New York-style, namely because of the thickness of the crust and thick sauce ladled on top after baking. Via 313's gluten-free dough rises in the refrigerator for a day or two, and the cheese is a blend of two types — the website doesn't mention what the blend is, but Detroit-style pizza is often made with mozzarella and Wisconsin brick cheese. The cheese also gets spread right to the edge, so haters of bare crust need not worry.

Freed from Italian tradition, Via 313 offers everything from a simple cheese pizza to Hawaiian, Brazilian, and vegan options. One popular style, The Ambassador Bridge, features pepperoni, sausage, fresh garlic, oregano, and house-made ricotta piped on top in neat little dollops. The restaurant also offers some thin-crust "bar style" pizzas, salads, appetizers, and desserts.

“San Antonio, we’re back and ready to welcome even more of the community!” said co-founder Zane Hunt, Brandon's brother. “We’re proud and thankful to provide another space for family and friends to gather and enjoy the amazing pizza we’ve worked so hard to perfect while continuing to show up for community causes.”

Via 313 pizza Detroit-style pizzas tend to be hearty thanks to the thick crust and extra sauce.Photo courtesy of Via 313

Via 313 at The Rim will be open Mondays through Thursdays from 11 am to 10 pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 11 am to 11 pm, and Sundays from 11 am to 9 pm.