Editor’s Notice: It’s a brand-new 12 months, however a few of final 12 months’s developments are nonetheless being felt within the San Antonio restaurant scene. One other acclaimed idea is closing its doorways whereas the franchise invasion continues to run amok.
Openings and closings
2023’s industry-wide hangover continues in 2024 as one more acclaimed idea is asking it a day. Through a January 4 Instagram submit, Chocollazo introduced that it will be serving one final Valentine’s season earlier than closing completely on February 17. House owners Mary and Frank Collazo began the enterprise in 2013 as a meals truck earlier than opening a brick-and-mortar flagship on Broadway in 2016. In 2019, the couple briefly ran a second location at Hemisfair earlier than the pandemic compelled a shutter in 2020. Though sweets will not be served on the Broadway location, the store will nonetheless be stored within the household. Daughter Mikala Petrone will take over the area to open a plant store.
Carnitas Lonja might have shuttered, however that doesn’t imply San Antonians will probably be disadvantaged of Chef Alex Paredes’ delicacies. On January 2, the Lonja account was rebranded for a brand new idea in the identical area — Chilaking. The announcement gave little element, however followers can count on a menu dedicated to chilaquiles.
It’s open season for out-of-state franchises seeking to set up a foothold in San Antonio. In keeping with social media posts, Beans & Brews has opened its first Alamo Metropolis outpost at 6507 W Loop 1604 N. The Utah-based franchise is planning a full entrenchment into Texas markets with a deliberate 40 shops, cut up between Austin and San Antonio.
Atlanta-based Rooster Salad Chick, in the meantime, continues its native invasion with the debut of its third space outlet in a 12 months. A launch spilled the beans on the chain’s grand opening at 1050 FM 306 in New Braunfels. Just like the earlier two entries into the San Antonio market, the brand new store will probably be operated by locals James Oberg, George Shaw, and Jeff Rochelle, who’re shaping as much as have a busy 2024. In keeping with Texas Division of Licensing and Regulation filings, the trio will quickly be turning their consideration to a different San Antonio outpost at 6010 UTSA Blvd.
The identical purchasing middle, Roadrunner Creek, may even host a brand new location for Philadelphia sweets store Insomnia Cookies. The idea is just like different biscuit-based franchises like Crumbl and Tiff’s Treats, although it often opens its shops round faculty campuses.
Different information and notes
San Antonio is already a hub of anime tradition with the San Japan pageant quickly to enter into a brand new decade. Now, a touring meals pageant is about to additional town’s bona fides. Otaku Meals Competition will host greater than 100 meals distributors, cosplay competitions, and appearances from voice actors on January 27 and 28. Curiously, not one of the particulars for the San Antonio cease have been introduced, however its Fb web page often posts updates.
