By Edmond Ortiz
This early November edition of Light Bites highlights two pizza chains making moves. One local pizzeria venture has opened the doors to a Helotes-area storefront, while plans are getting clearer for a national pizza buffet’s planned arrival in the San Antonio market.
Elsewhere, a local Australia-themed bar has launched a New Braunfels outpost, and a North Side drive-thru coffee spot is expanding its food offerings.
NOW OPEN
Potbelly Sandwich Works
The sandwich chain held a grand opening Nov. 6 for its first New Braunfels location.
323 Creekside Crossing, Suite 105, New Braunfels. Open 10 a.m.-9 p.m. daily (830-371-3443)
Mattenga’s Pizzeria
The local pizza chain held a Nov. 6 grand opening for a Helotes-area location with a free pizza buffet.
9123 N. Loop 1604 W., Suite 103. Open 3-9 p.m. Mon.-Thu., and 2-9 p.m. Fri.-Sun. (210-314-1056)
The Roo Pub
The San Antonio-based, Australian-themed bar and grill opened a New Braunfels location at the Freiheit Village retail center in late October. Menu offerings include burgers, wraps, wings, sandwiches, salads and desserts. The New Braunfels storefront is offering German food specials, such as schnitzel sandwiches and Bavarian pretzel sticks, during Wurstfest now through Nov. 15.
2055 Central Plaza, Suite 102, New Braunfels. Open 11 a.m.-midnight Sun.-Fri., and 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Sat.
Thalia’s Gourmet Cuisine
Mexican native and local caterer Thalia Van Driel recently opened her first brick-and-mortar concept in late October in the Deco District neighborhood. Menu items are inspired by Italian, Greek, French, Mexican and American cuisines, including Lasagna Bolognese, peppercorn beef filet, coconut-lime fish, and ribeye steak with sauteed shrimp. Thalia’s also offers catering services, and is taking orders for Thanksgiving packages.
1604 Fredericksburg Road. Open noon-9 p.m. Thu.-Sat., and noon-6 p.m. Sun. (210-777-3809)
SOL Fresh
SOL Fresh is the newest brand for a coffee stand that had operated under the name Mudslingers for years before becoming Four Cats Cafe for a short while. Like the former brands, SOL Fresh offers a range of traditional and specialty coffee drinks, matcha and energy drinks alongside tea and lemonade. The key difference is a new, bigger food menu that launched in early November. Food offerings include breakfast tacos, kolaches and muffins, sourdough pizza, toasted sandwiches, soups, wraps, salads, bowls, smoothies, and kids’ items.
2401 Thousand Oaks Drive. Open 6 a.m.-8 p.m. weekdays, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat. and Sun. (210-251-2119)
Thirsty Bar Grill and Lounge
Thirsty, which recently opened in the South Texas Medical Center area, features drink specials, lunch and dinner items, two patios, and a hookah lounge.
8811 Fredericksburg Road
Chili Candy TX
Having opened in late October, Chili Candy TX offers a wide assortment of unique candies, including sweet treats from Mexico and many other countries.
7001 W Interstate 10, Suite 101, Balcones Heights
COMING UP
Pizza Ranch
The famed Midwest pizza buffet chain plans to open its first San Antonio-area location in 2027 at the former Luby’s Cafeteria site in Windcrest. The project saw advancement in a recent Windcrest Economic Development Corp., where board members approved the designs for storefront facade and landmark signage. Pizza Ranch’s offerings also include wings, fried chicken dinners, desserts, and a “FunZone” with arcade games.
5307 Walzem Road, Windcrest
Jack and Harry’s
The Dallas-based New Orleans-style chophouse will open a second location, this one at the redeveloped Nix Medical Center in Alamo Heights. Jack and Harry’s menu offers dishes that draw upon French recipes and Gulf Coast staples, and French onion filet, and the Rue Street Gumbo. Also featuring a curated wine and cocktail program, the upscale restaurant will join Hudson House, an East Coast-inspired comfort food eatery.
5307 Broadway St.
NEW OWNERSHIP
Nikki Martinez, an executive with a local nonprofit organization, is taking over as owner of Folklores Coffee House. Joel “Tatu” and Emilie Herrera originally opened Folklores on South Presa Street in 2018 and operated the coffee shop there for years before relocating to a retail strip at the corner of East Grayson Street and North New Braunfels Avenue on the near-East Side.
1943 N. New Braunfels Ave.
NOW CLOSED
The owners of River Sun took to social media on Oct. 31 to announce the closure of the Riverwalk jazz bar at 1011 Avenue B. But the owners said they plan to move River Sun to a new, not-yet-publicized location. They added a new concept is coming to 1011 Avenue B, and details are forthcoming.
OTHER CULINARY NEWS
Clementine restaurant will host a Nov. 20 birthday lunch for co-owner/Chef Elise Russ. The four-course event will feature her favorite dishes. For her birthday, Russ asks patrons to bring donations for Child Advocates San Antonio’s Seeds of Cheer holiday drive, benefiting children in foster care. Donations may include toys for boys and girls, board games, puzzles, art supplies, wrapping paper, baby toys, hair styling products, blankets, LEGO, headphones and gift cards. The lunch will be held 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Tickets are $65 per guest.
Pullman Market at Pearl will have another Smoke and Fire barbecue celebration 4-8 p.m. NHov. 14, bringing together several acclaimed local pitmasters and chefs for an evening centered around the art of smoking, grilling and cooking over an open flame, complemented by craft beverages, live music and entertainment. Tickets range $105-$175.
