The nation may be transfixed with Bennifer breakup news, but San Antonio is abuzz with dining news. From the sudden closing of a brand-new bar to a boozy pop-up at the Pearl — plus one heck of a fake-out — there’s plenty to sink your teeth into.

Openings and closings

Mere weeks after Dignowity Hill's Torchedebuted with a doom metal format, the nascent bar is packing up its gear. According to a story in the San Antonio Current, the watering hole had to abandon plans to add live music to its programming after attracting ire from neighborhood groups and receiving a citation for a zoning violation. The bar at 910 Nolan St. plans to go out with one last party, permanently shuttering on August 31.

A 2831 NW Loop 410 building that once housed a series of strip clubs is shedding its past. Aguazul, a new concept focused on mariscos, is finishing up renovations to open in the upcoming weeks. The restaurant has not revealed a website or exact opening date yet, but its Instagram feed reveals a few menu details, including a shrimp Caesar salad, aguachile, tacos al pastor, and tropical cocktails.

A new interactive sports bar swung into action on August 8. Fore! Golf Swing Lounge at 18720 Stone Oak Pkwy. #123 in Stone Oak combines virtual golf with a full bar and food menu — notably all under an air-conditioned roof.

Alamo City chain Burger Boy is continuing its rapid expansion with the August 21 opening of its latest outpost at 5622 UTSA Blvd. Still, the company is not resting on its laurels. Days before firing up the grill, the restaurant filed paperwork at the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation laying out plans for its 10th location at 7560 IH 35 North.

Other news and notes

Lucy Cooper’s Ice House is scaling back its business to one location. In a Facebook note, chef and owner Braunda Smith said the decision to sell was made in the “best interest of [her] family." The original San Pedro outpost will continue to operate independently under Smith while the other two locations will eventually transition to new concepts under the lead of a Houston-based company.

With clever marketing, Merit Coffee has fans in a tizzy with a billboard hinting at a possible Buc-ee's collab. Turns out, the local caffeine purveyor is working with another beloved Texas brand. The company is partnering with H-E-B to sell its goods statewide and celebrating with more promotional prowess — an Instagram giveaway.

Yucatan whisky brandGran Maizal is popping up at Pullman Market on August 22, from 6-8 pm. Guests are invited to stop by the property’s Mezcaleria to meet cofounder Gonzalo de la Pezuela, sample sips, and enjoy a limited-time cocktail made with the spirit.

The opening event of speaker series PechaKucha San Antonio on September 4 isn’t strictly about food, but it does include two of the local culinary scene’s heaviest hitters. Among the personalities who have prepared slide show presentations will be Jerk Shack founder Nicola Blaque and San Antonio Express-News restaurant critic Mike Sutter. Tickets for the Carver Community Cultural Center event are $10 per person.