By Edmond Ortiz
This pre-Halloween edition of Light Bites features a new coffee shop near Leon Valley, Chef Johnny Hernandez’s latest Mexican culinary concept in Southtown, a famed local candy store’s new South Side location, and national fast-food chains launching storefronts in Cibolo and on the Northeast Side.
Elsewhere, H-E-B is preparing to open the doors to a new Converse-area store, and a rebrand is coming to a New Braunfels wing-focused sports bar and grill.
Additionally, vendors and food truck operators are being sought for an outdoor market that’s under development in Converse.
Bibble’s Brew
The owners of a mobile coffee cart, which often shows up at outdoor markets and other events and fills online orders, opened a brick-and-mortar location in late September. Bibble’s Brew has a variety of traditional and specialty coffee drinks as well as tea drinks. They are also offering a free 16-ounce cold brew with a choice of syrup and a splash of milk after every Spurs win.
9355 Bandera Road, Suite 109. Open 6 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays, and 7 a.m.-7 p.m. weekends
Casa Hernán Alta Cocina
Chef Johnny Hernandez recently opened the doors to a revamped concept and rebrand of Casa Hernán Cantina. Hernandez said his new Southtown eatery promises an “elevated interior Mexican food experience,” featuring mole program with different classic and contemporary sauces.
411 E. Cevallos St.
Casa Dulce
The locally owned Mexican candy store, with an original Midtown location, recently opened a second shop on the South Side. Casa Dulce has a wide variety of candy, as well as snacks, party supplies such as pinatas, and kitchenware.
826 SW Military Drive
Eight Ball Coffee
The Southtown coffee shop has opened a second location in the Deco District neighborhood northwest of downtown.
1110 Fredericksburg Road
Burger Boy
The popular local burger chain is launching a new West Side location with a grand opening event 10:30 a.m.-noon Oct. 27. The first 10 drive-thru customers and first 10 dine-in patrons will receive a $50 gift card. Burger Boy merchandise will be given out throughout opening day while supplies last.
2304 W. Loop 1604 S.
Playa Bowls
A grand opening event with giveaways is taking place Oct. 24, starting at 11 a.m., for Playa Bowls’ new storefront in the Shops at Cibolo Bend retail center in Cibolo. Playa Bowls has a variety of fresh-made bowls, smoothies, juices and cold brews.
513 Cibolo Valley Drive, Cibolo. Open 9 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
Jersey Mike’s Subs
The sandwich chain opened a new Northeast Side shop Oct. 7.
7038 N. Loop 1604 E.
Waxxed Cards USA
The chain of trading cards has opened its 30th store, offering a gamut of trading cards, trading cards, supplies and other memorabilia. The shop is located in the Lincoln Heights shopping center. A grand opening event is being planned.
999 E. Basse Road, Suite 129
H-E-B
The grocery chain is opening its new south Converse store Oct. 28. The $21 million, 125,000-square-foot store includes a True Texas BBQ Restaurant with indoor seating, a Texas Backyard with live plants, pottery, soil and other outdoor living items, and a pharmacy with drive-thru service. H-E-B recently donated $25,000 to Converse-based nonprofit Boysville San Antonio in a longstanding tradition of making monetary contributions to community organizations in which the retailer opens a new store.
10137 I-10 E., Converse
Elite Golf Training Lounge
A grand opening celebration for this far North Side indoor golf course is happening 1-5 p.m. Oct. 24. The family-owned venue features three private Trackman iO rooms, each with its own seating area and television set, a lounge, and 24/7 access.
4250 TPC Pkwy., Suite 110
The Tiny Finch
Karen Lee Zachry, owner of The Tiny Finch boutique at Pearl, opened a second location in Olmos Park. The shop has a wide assortment of clothes, jewelry, footwear, apothecary items, home decor, baby accessories, and pet care products.
201 E. Olmos Drive, Olmos Park
Blue Jug
This chain offers alkaline and hydrogen waters, as well as healthy living and eating items. A grand opening event is happening from 10 a.m.-7 p.m Oct. 24 with store specials, vendors, and sourdough pastries to purchase.
10538 Potranco Road, Suite 208 (210-902-3313)
Golden Glaze Donut and Cafe
The new Far West Side cafe offers a range of fresh-made donuts, kolaches, breakfast sandwiches, coffees and tea drinks.
6032 WT Montgomery Road, Suite 105. Open 5:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Mon.-Sat., and 6 a.m.-2 p.m. Sun.
COMING SOON
McB’s
Buffalo Wings and Rings sports bar is undergoing a rebrand as McB’s restaurant, with a focus on “birds, burgers and beer,” according to a social media post. The address remains the same, but the owners pledge to keep fans updated on when the eatery reopens with the new name and logo. Additionally, brunch service will start Nov. 21.
983 Loop 337, New Braunfels
Mr. Crabby’s Seafood Kitchen and Bar
The Cajun-style seafood eatery chain is taking over the former JPOT space at the Shops at Dove Creek retail center. Mr. Crabby’s third location is expected to open at the start of the new year.
415 W. Loop 1604 S., Suite 103
CALL FOR VENDORS
Food trucks, popups, farmers market vendors and artisans are being sought for The Mines Market, which will have a grand opening event noon-10 p.m. Feb. 6 at 14078 I-10 E. in Converse. The site, which will have a playground and a skate park, is designed to accommodate a new, grassroots community market. In addition to vendors, the family friendly opening will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony, seafood cookoff, live music and karaoke. Food trucks booked before Dec. 1 will get an early-bird special of $450 per month for six months. Email vendors@theminesmarket.com for details.
