San Antonio, January 1, 2026
San Antonio’s culinary landscape is evolving with several new openings and expansions, including Smoothie King’s two new locations and the launch of JuiceLand. Swig has also opened its fifth store in the area, while local favorites like The Weighted Plate prepare for a reopening. Meanwhile, losses include the closure of Lucky Brew Coffee Truck and several other restaurants across the city. Local dining establishments continue to be a vibrant part of the community despite challenges, highlighting the importance of supporting them.
San Antonio, TX
San Antonio’s dining scene is experiencing notable growth with the recent openings of two new Smoothie King locations and other developments across the metro area.
Smoothie King Expands in San Antonio
Smoothie King has opened two new locations in San Antonio, enhancing its presence in the area. The first is situated within the Schertz Station development, marking the second tenant in this retail hub. The second location is in New Braunfels, expanding the brand’s footprint in the region. These openings reflect Smoothie King’s commitment to growth in the San Antonio metro area.
Swig Opens Fifth San Antonio Location
Swig, a nationwide beverage chain, has inaugurated its fifth San Antonio location on the city’s northeast side. This new store, located at 7038 N. Loop 1604 E., is part of Swig’s ongoing expansion in the region.
The Weighted Plate Announces Reopening
The Weighted Plate, a local bar, grill, and live music venue, is set to reopen in downtown New Braunfels at 118 S. Union Ave. The establishment had previously closed its original location on FM 1102 in November due to accessibility issues. The reopening is scheduled for early 2026.
Lucky Brew Coffee Truck to Close in New Braunfels
Lucky Brew, a local coffee truck in New Braunfels, will close its current location at 2311 Hwy. 46 on December 31. The owner cited financial sustainability concerns and plans to relocate to Brenham to be closer to family.
JuiceLand to Open First San Antonio Location
JuiceLand, an Austin-based smoothie and juice bar, is planning to open its first San Antonio location in the 5300 block of Broadway Street. Construction is expected to begin on February 15, 2026, with completion anticipated by June 15, 2026. This expansion marks JuiceLand’s entry into the San Antonio market.
13 Local Restaurants Join Spurs Culinary Residence Program
Thirteen San Antonio restaurants are participating in the Spurs Culinary Residence Program at the Frost Bank Center during Spurs games this season. The program aims to connect fans with the city’s diverse food scene, with each restaurant serving dishes at two concession locations during home games.
Panera Bread Expands San Antonio Presence
Panera Bread is expanding its San Antonio footprint with two new locations. The first opened on October 29, 2024, in the Medical Center at 4343 Medical Drive, and the second opened on November 15, 2024, on the Far Northwest Side at 10610 Culebra Road. These additions bring the total number of Panera Bread locations in the San Antonio area to ten.
Restaurant Closures in San Antonio
Several San Antonio restaurants have announced closures. South BBQ & Kitchen at 2011 Mission Road is set to close on January 12 to relocate after six years. Taco Cabana has closed multiple locations across the city, including those at 19231 Stone Oak Parkway and 1130 North Loop 1604 West. Thatta Boy Burgers at 23503 Hardy Oak Blvd. announced its closure on January 7 due to unforeseen circumstances. The FruterÃa-Botanero/Botanero Lounge at 1401 S. Flores St. is closing on January 4, with plans for a new concept. The General Public at The Rim has also closed after a decade in operation.
Conclusion
In summary, San Antonio’s dining landscape is evolving with the addition of new establishments and the expansion of well-known chains like Smoothie King and Panera Bread. At the same time, the resilience of local businesses, as seen with the reopening of The Weighted Plate, highlights a commitment to growth and adaptation within the community. However, the closures of several restaurants remind us of the challenges that local entrepreneurs face. Supporting local businesses not only fosters economic growth but also enriches the cultural fabric of San Antonio.
As the San Antonio TX small business community continues to navigate its ups and downs, residents are encouraged to stay engaged and support local enterprises, ensuring that the region remains a vibrant hub for culinary innovation and economic development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the new Smoothie King locations in San Antonio?
Smoothie King has opened two new locations in San Antonio: one within the Schertz Station development and another in New Braunfels, expanding its presence in the area.
Which new restaurants have opened in San Antonio recently?
Swig, a nationwide beverage chain, has opened its fifth San Antonio location on the city’s northeast side. Additionally, JuiceLand, an Austin-based smoothie and juice bar, plans to open its first San Antonio location in the 5300 block of Broadway Street, with construction expected to begin on February 15, 2026, and completion anticipated by June 15, 2026.
Which local restaurants are participating in the Spurs Culinary Residence Program?
Thirteen San Antonio restaurants are participating in the Spurs Culinary Residence Program at the Frost Bank Center during Spurs games this season. The program aims to connect fans with the city’s diverse food scene, with each restaurant serving dishes at two concession locations during home games.
Which Panera Bread locations have opened in San Antonio?
Panera Bread has expanded its San Antonio footprint with two new locations: one opened on October 29, 2024, in the Medical Center at 4343 Medical Drive, and another opened on November 15, 2024, on the Far Northwest Side at 10610 Culebra Road.
Which San Antonio restaurants have announced closures?
Several San Antonio restaurants have announced closures, including South BBQ & Kitchen at 2011 Mission Road, Taco Cabana locations at 19231 Stone Oak Parkway and 1130 North Loop 1604 West, Thatta Boy Burgers at 23503 Hardy Oak Blvd., The FruterÃa-Botanero/Botanero Lounge at 1401 S. Flores St., and The General Public at The Rim.
| Restaurant | Location | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smoothie King | Schertz Station Development, New Braunfels | New Openings | Two new locations opened, expanding presence in the area. |
| Swig | 7038 N. Loop 1604 E., San Antonio | New Opening | Fifth San Antonio location opened on the city’s northeast side. |
| The Weighted Plate | 118 S. Union Ave., New Braunfels | Reopening | Set to reopen in early 2026 after relocating from FM 1102. |
| Lucky Brew | 2311 Hwy. 46, New Braunfels | Closure | Closing December 31; plans to relocate to Brenham. |
| JuiceLand | 5300 Broadway Street, San Antonio | Planned Opening | First San Antonio location; construction to begin February 15, 2026, completion by June 15, 2026. |
| Panera Bread | 4343 Medical Drive, 10610 Culebra Road, San Antonio | New Openings | Two new locations opened on October 29, 2024, and November 15, 2024. |
| South BBQ & Kitchen | 2011 Mission Road, San Antonio | Closure | Closing January 12 to relocate after six years. |
| Taco Cabana | Multiple Locations, San Antonio | Closures | Closed several locations, including 19231 Stone Oak Parkway and 1130 North Loop 1604 West. |
| Thatta Boy Burgers | 23503 Hardy Oak Blvd., San Antonio | Closure | Announced closure on January 7 due to unforeseen circumstances. |
| The FruterÃa-Botanero/Botanero Lounge | 1401 S. Flores St., San Antonio | Closure | Closing January 4; plans for a new concept. |
| The General Public | The Rim, San Antonio | Closure | Closed after a decade in operation. |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
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