By Edmond Ortiz
Two renowned Pearl restaurants, a longtime Live Oak comfort food spot and a near-East Side brewery/distiller are among the well-publicized closures to strike the San Antonio area culinary scene at the end of 2025. Meanwhile, several chains recently opened new local storefronts in San Antonio, Converse, Schertz and New Braunfels.
Elsewhere, Tejano music has a physical museum in San Antonio, and a new collectibles shop is up and running in Boerne.
RESTAURANTS/BARS OPEN
Pizza Hut
The pizza chain recently closed its full Converse restaurant at 9149 FM 78, but opened a carryout and delivery-only storefront next door on Dec. 26.
9179 FM 78, Suite 105, Converse
Jim’s Restaurant
The beloved local restaurant chain, which has long specialized in homestyle comfort food, has recently resumed 24-hour service at its location north of Alamo Heights.
Jim’s was famous for offering around-the-clock dining service at its locations until the COVID-19 pandemic struck, prompting the company to close storefronts at 10 p.m.
Jim’s has not fully rebounded from the height of the pandemic, having closed four locations in the last few years.
8427 Broadway St.
Dunkin/Baskin-Robbins
The doughnut and ice cream chains opened a new joint storefront Dec. 23 on the South Side, occupying a former Arby’s restaurant space.
2246 SE Military Drive. Open 4 a.m.-10 p.m. weekdays and 5 a.m.-10 p.m. weekends.
Smoothie King
The smoothie chain opened its new Schertz storefront to the public on Dec. 22. Smoothie King now has 22 locations across the San Antonio metropolitan area.
18746 I-35 N., Suite 300, Schertz. Open 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon., Tue. and Fri., 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Wed., 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Thu., 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat., and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sun. (830-312-5464)
3rd Lounge
The upscale bar opened Dec. 19 near the University of Texas at San Antonio. It was created by the Deol Partners business group, which owns Deol Bar I and Deol Bar II, both on the far West Side.
15622 Chase Hill Blvd. (210-625-2058)
Teriyaki Madness
The teriyaki bowl-centric chain opened a new Stone Oak-area restaurant Dec. 19 at The Legacy retail center. Teriyaki Madness now has five San Antonio locations.
18410 U.S. 281 N., Suite B-106. Open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. (210-281-4010)
La Panaderia
The popular, locally owned bakery chain opened its fifth San Antonio location on Dec. 17 in Stone Oak. La Panaderia here now occupies the former Brick House Tavern and Tap.
1011 N. Loop 1604 E. Open 7a.m.-8 p.m. weekdays and 7 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends. (210-255-1098)
Whataburger
New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce held a Dec. 11 ribbon-cutting and grand opening event for the San Antonio-based burger chain’s third New Braunfels eatery.
1825 Texas 46 S., New Braunfels. Open 24 hours. (830) 312-4214)
Texas Roadhouse
New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce held a Dec. 9 grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Louisville, Kentucky-based chain’s newest local restaurant.
3206 I-35 N., New Braunfels. Open 4-10 p.m. Mon.-Thu., 4-11 p.m. Fri., 11 .a.m.-11 p.m. Sat., and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun. (830-214-8420)
RESTAURANTS/BARS CLOSED
Faust Brewing Co.
The New Braunfels brewery had reopened with limited service during December, giving staff at the brewpub an opportunity to clear out remaining products leftover when Faust originally fully closed on Halloween.
Cured
Celebrated chef Steve McHugh is closing his acclaimed Pearl restaurant on Jan. 4, according to a statement that he offered on Dec. 29.
While recovering from a battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, McHugh opened Cured, a contemporary American eatery, in late 2013 in an early 20th century structure that was once part of the original Pearl Brewery complex. A large glass vault containing cured meats has been an iconic part of the restaurant’s interior since its opening.
McHugh did not provide a specific reason for closing Cured, but he thanked his family, friends, staff and fans for their support. He and his restaurant have received numerous industry awards and honors, including multiple James Beard Award nominations.
“When I opened Cured, the name represented two things close to my heart: my own successful battle against cancer and the artisanal craft of curing meats that became the cornerstone of our menu,” McHugh said in a statement. “What I didn’t fully understand then was how much this restaurant would become a daily celebration of life itself—a place where appreciation and gratitude weren’t just words, but the driving philosophy behind everything we did.”
The closure of Cured marks another loss for the Pearl, where neighboring restaurant Carriqui closed this fall, and Full Goods Diner was due to close permanently on Dec. 31.
Full Goods Diner
The popular brunch eatery was due to have its final day of service on New Year’s Eve, according to recent statements provided by the restaurant team and representatives for Potluck, which has overseen culinary offerings for Pearl developer Silver Ventures.
“After three years, we want to thank Full Goods Diner for being part of Pearl’s ecosystem and wish them all the best,” a Potluck press release stated. “We are assisting associates in transitioning to new roles within Pearl and look forward to introducing another outstanding concept in that space in the near future.”
No reason was given in the statements for the shuttering of Full Goods Diner, which has occupied the former Green Vegetarian Cuisine space for more than three years.
“While our chapter comes to an end as plans for this space have evolved, we’re deeply grateful for our guests, neighbors, and team for the support, and the San Antonio community that made Full Goods so special over the past three years,” restaurant representatives said in a statement.
Mad Pecker Brewing
The Northwest Side brewpub was due to permanently close, this time for good, on Dec. 30 after more than 10 years of service.
Owners Erika and Jason Gonzales first shuttered Mad Pecker on March 31, 2025, having shared calls for public support via social media.
The Gonzaleses responded to popular demand and reopened the brewery a few weeks later, expressing hope that their return would be good for the long haul.
Alas, the owners shared with social media creator As Seen in SA in late December that they would be closing their doors for a final time.
Biff Buzby’s Burgers
The locally owned Live Oak burger spot is permanently closing Dec. 31 after 25 years of service.
According to a Dec. 29 Facebook post, the owners said their decision to close their doors was a difficult one. No official reason for the closure was provided in the post.
Biff Buzby’s Burgers was well known in the community for hosting a gathering of owners of vintage and classic cars on Friday nights.
“This decision did not come easy. It comes with sadness, reflection, gratitude, and so much pride in what we built together,” the post stated. “We are incredibly thankful to our customers, our staff past and present, and everyone who ever stopped in for a burger, a smile, or a conversation. Because of you, these walls hold 25 years of stories, friendships, and unforgettable moments.”
Biff Buzby’s Burgers will be selling restaurant furniture, equipment, decor and more Jan. 2-4.
12702 Toepperwein Road, Suite 130, Live Oak
Artisan Distillery and Craft Bar
This distillery and nanobrewery on the eastern edge of downtown will be closing Jan. 25 after 13 years of service. According to a Dec. 29 Facebook post, the venue’s imminent closure can be attributed to adverse financial situations surrounding the brewing and spirits industries.
“The reason for Artisan’s closure is due to accumulation of current economic and market changes, current tariffs that increased production costs significantly, and the decrease of popularity of hand-crafted cocktails and micro-distilleries/breweries,” the post stated.
Artisan originated near the corner of North Alamo and Broadway streets, next door to Roadmap Brewing. Artisan initially produced Spike Vodka, the only vodka made from nopal, and expanded its spirits portfolio to whiskey, gin, and to versions of moonshine and an agave spirit. Artisan also turned to brewing beer, with the menu featuring beer infusions.
Even after relocating to Austin Street, near an emerging scene of local bars, Artisan continued to host drag shows and stand-up comic performances on weekends. Company representatives said Artisan will host a farewell party Jan. 24, and a final curtain call bash on Jan. 25.
402 Austin St.
OTHER BUSINESSES
Now open
DragonClaw Arcade
This claw machine venue opened a new Converse location Jan. 2 with fantasy-themed DragonClaw game machines and challenges, as well as space-themed CosmicClaw experiences. DragonClaw is available for birthday party bookings. Memberships for perks are also available. The business is also accepting non-perishable food item donations to benefit the San Antonio Food Bank — one donated Item results in one free token.
8340 FM 78, Converse (210-257-5777)
Club Car Wash
The nationwide car wash chain held a Dec. 20 grand opening for a new South Side location with giveaways. The staff at the new location is celebrating by offering specials, including a discounted package with proceeds benefiting the United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County.
2815 SE Military Drive. Open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Sat., and 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Sun.
Heroes Hideout
Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce held a Dec. 19 grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for this hobby shop, which offers an array of sports and non-sports trading cards, games, toys and other collectibles. The store also has hobby supplies, and hosts gaming tournaments and other activities.
1026 N. Main St., Boerne
Urban Barkhaus Dog Grooming
Tri-County Chamber of Commerce held a Dec. 16 grand opening event for this new dog grooming shop, which offers a range of services and packages.
11106 Toepperwein Road, Live Oak (210-984-5552)
Beauty Culture Salon
The owner of the Stone Oak-area salon hosted a Dec. 11 grand opening party for its new location. The salon offers various services, and customers may pick their favorite employee while making an appointment online.
238 N. Loop 1604 W, Suite 205. (210-663-9918)
Soap Laundry Lounge
Emily Strayer, member of The Chicks, formerly Dixie Chicks, launched this unique concept in the Midtown neighborhood of Shearer Hills/Ridgeview just before Thanksgiving.
Soap is at first a full-service laundromat with 28 Speed Queen washers, 36 Speed Queen dryers, and ozone spa-grade cleaning. Patrons may do laundry themselves or drop off their load for staff to wash and fold.
Guests who are doing their own laundry may take advantage of complimentary Wi-Fi, and a full service coffee bar, which uses locally sourced coffee beans. The coffee bar space also has teas, lemonade and pastries, as well as seating.
900 Oblate Drive. Open 7 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. (210-757-3889)
OTHER BUSINESS NEWS
Live Oak conference center upgrades wrap up
Live Oak city officials said on Dec. 5 that a $366,000 project at the Hilton Garden Inn and Live Oak Conference Center was expected to conclude by the end of December.
City representatives said the company has renovated the hotel’s 8,00-square-foot ballroom with mainly cosmetic upgrades to the room itself and minor touch-ups in the kitchen.
The hotel sits at the site of the former Live Oak Civic Center, and part of it serves as the city’s public conference facility.
8101 Pat Booker Road, Live Oak
Permanent Tejano music museum opens
The Totally Tejano Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a grand opening Dec. 6 just northwest of downtown. This is the first brick-and-mortar facility in San Antonio where Tejano music fans can pay homage to musicians and key industry figures past and present by browsing photos, posters, musical instruments and mannequins adorned with stage outfits once worn by famed Tejano musicians.
Organizers say they plan to have a local Tejano hall of fame induction in 2026, and offer space for different types of community and industry programs and events. Museum admission is free, but donations are accepted.
1414 Fredericksburg Road. (210-314-1310)
Former Boerne beer garden property put on the market
The property that accommodated a once-popular family friendly beer garden in the Boerne area is now available for sale.
The real estate site LoopNet began marketing the property at 11 Upper Cibolo Creek Road on Dec. 11.
The site is the former home of Random Beer Garden, which had a bar with several beer tap lines, alongside some wines. The space featured indoor and shaded patio seating.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, visitors to Random ranged from craft beer fans to families with young children spending much time in the on-site play area. Food truck vendors offered a range of items.
In 2024, there were reported attempts to reopen Random as a beer garden, but those efforts were not fully realized.
