San Antonio, October 26, 2025
News Summary
San Antonio is bustling with local news, including the release of heavy metal-inspired H-E-B T-shirts, several notable restaurant closures, and plans for a new amusement park attraction. H-E-B committed $5 million to Texas food banks and another $1 million to Meals on Wheels amid ongoing food insecurity. Additionally, the city has been recognized as a top college town in WalletHub’s recent ranking. Local dining options have been affected by recent closures, including Chela’s Tacos and Good Time Charlie’s, affecting long-standing establishments in the community.
San Antonio
San Antonio is the center of multiple local developments this week, including a new H-E-B merchandise release, several long-running restaurant closures, plans for a new amusement-park attraction, a mixed WalletHub college-town ranking, and significant philanthropic donations aimed at addressing food insecurity among Texas residents and homebound seniors.
Top developments
San Antonio H-E-B fans can now purchase heavy metal-inspired T-shirts following a viral mockup. The collection of H-E-B T-shirts is exclusively available through H-E-B. H-E-B has also committed a donation of $5 million to Texas food banks and an additional $1 million to support Meals on Wheels amid federal funding halts. Meals on Wheels Texas will use the $1 million donation to provide nutrition services to homebound seniors, addressing hunger risk among 13.6 percent of seniors.
Several restaurant closures and operational changes were reported: Chela’s Tacos has closed its San Antonio location after 10 years, with the closure announced via a handwritten note on the door. Good Time Charlie’s, an iconic restaurant in San Antonio, closed its doors after 46 years of operation, with the farewell taking place on October 22. Downtown San Antonio’s Luz Roja has ceased operations amid the owner facing legal issues.
In attractions news, SeaWorld San Antonio plans to introduce Texas’ first inverted family roller coaster, set to open in spring 2026. On community service and local business openings, H-E-B opened a new store in Manor, Texas, the first in the area, featuring various amenities including a full-service pharmacy and a 14-pump fuel station. During the Manor grand opening, H-E-B donated $20,000 to local organizations.
WalletHub ranking and context
San Antonio has been ranked as the No. 21 best large college town in America for 2026, according to WalletHub’s report. The city improved its performance in WalletHub’s assessments, with San Antonio improving its rank by eight spots compared to its 2024 position, reaching No. 65 overall. Within sub-rankings, the city was rated as the 56th most “wallet-friendly” in the U.S. and 84th for its social environment, while ranking No. 305 for academic and economic opportunities. Austin remained No. 1 for the fourth consecutive year. Other Texas cities in the top 100 best college towns included College Station (No. 45), Houston (No. 67), Fort Worth (No. 89), and Plano (No. 91). San Marcos was listed as the No. 51 best small college town in the U.S. In large-city rankings, San Antonio is preceded by Houston (No. 22) and followed by Fort Worth (No. 27).
Community and nonprofit impacts
Local nonprofit services are responding to funding challenges. San Antonio Meals on Wheels announced service reductions due to funding cuts, which could impact vulnerable seniors. Bill Miller BBQ made a $192,000 donation to help maintain Meals on Wheels services for local seniors. H-E-B’s $1 million gift to Meals on Wheels Texas is intended to support nutrition services for homebound seniors and address hunger risk among 13.6 percent of seniors.
Retail and store details
The new Manor H-E-B store employs nearly 400 associates and operates seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. The store includes a full-service pharmacy, a 14-pump fuel station, and a design intended to reflect the local community while incorporating sustainable features. H-E-B operates over 455 stores in Texas and Mexico and was noted for growth and community service commitments in this update.
What this means for residents
- Fans of H-E-B merchandise can buy a new heavy metal-inspired T-shirt line exclusively through H-E-B.
- Several longtime restaurants have closed or ceased operations, reducing dining options and affecting employees tied to those businesses.
- SeaWorld’s new ride represents an investment in regional tourism with an expected opening in spring 2026.
- Donations from H-E-B and local businesses are directed toward shortfalls in food assistance programs, though local service reductions signal ongoing funding challenges for seniors.
Key contacts and next steps for readers
Residents seeking assistance with senior nutrition or food insecurity should consult local Meals on Wheels offices and Texas food bank resources. Patrons seeking merchandise or store details can visit H-E-B directly for availability and store hours.
Additional background
This Weekly News Update captures local developments across commerce, community service, dining, and entertainment. Items in this report reflect recent activity affecting San Antonio residents and regional visitors, including both private-sector openings and nonprofit funding actions.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| H-E-B T-shirt release | Heavy metal-inspired T-shirts, exclusive to H-E-B |
| Restaurant closures | Chela’s Tacos (closed after 10 years); Good Time Charlie’s (closed after 46 years, farewell Oct. 22); Luz Roja (ceased operations) |
| SeaWorld attraction | Texas’ first inverted family roller coaster, opening spring 2026 |
| WalletHub ranking | No. 21 best large college town in America for 2026; No. 65 overall |
| H-E-B donations | $5 million to Texas food banks; $1 million to Meals on Wheels |
| Manor H-E-B store | First in the area; full-service pharmacy; 14-pump fuel station; nearly 400 associates |
| Date/Time | Event | Status / Source |
|---|---|---|
| Recent | San Antonio H-E-B fans can now purchase heavy metal-inspired T-shirts following a viral mockup. | Product available; exclusive to H-E-B |
| Recent | Chela’s Tacos has closed its San Antonio location after 10 years, with the closure announced via a handwritten note on the door. | Closed |
| October 22 | Good Time Charlie’s, an iconic restaurant in San Antonio, closed its doors after 46 years of operation, with the farewell taking place on October 22. | Closed |
| Recent | Downtown San Antonio’s Luz Roja has ceased operations amid the owner facing legal issues. | Ceased operations |
| Spring 2026 | SeaWorld San Antonio plans to introduce Texas’ first inverted family roller coaster, set to open in spring 2026. | Planned / Opening scheduled |
| Recent | H-E-B opened a new store in Manor, Texas, the first in the area, featuring various amenities including a full-service pharmacy and a 14-pump fuel station. | Open |
Selected WalletHub ranks for Texas cities (visual)
Senior hunger risk visual
FAQ
Can San Antonio H-E-B fans now purchase heavy metal-inspired T-shirts?
San Antonio H-E-B fans can now purchase heavy metal-inspired T-shirts following a viral mockup.
Are the H-E-B T-shirts exclusive to a single seller?
The collection of H-E-B T-shirts is exclusively available through H-E-B.
What happened to Chela’s Tacos in San Antonio?
Chela’s Tacos has closed its San Antonio location after 10 years, with the closure announced via a handwritten note on the door.
When did Good Time Charlie’s close?
Good Time Charlie’s, an iconic restaurant in San Antonio, closed its doors after 46 years of operation, with the farewell taking place on October 22.
What is the status of Luz Roja in downtown San Antonio?
Downtown San Antonio’s Luz Roja has ceased operations amid the owner facing legal issues.
Is SeaWorld San Antonio adding a new roller coaster?
SeaWorld San Antonio plans to introduce Texas’ first inverted family roller coaster, set to open in spring 2026.
How did San Antonio rank in WalletHub’s 2026 college-town report?
San Antonio has been ranked as the No. 21 best large college town in America for 2026, according to WalletHub’s report.
Did San Antonio’s overall WalletHub rank change from 2024?
San Antonio improved its rank by eight spots compared to its 2024 position, reaching No. 65 overall.
What donations did H-E-B commit related to food aid?
H-E-B has committed a donation of $5 million to Texas food banks and an additional $1 million to support Meals on Wheels amid federal funding halts.
What are the features of the new Manor H-E-B store?
H-E-B opened a new store in Manor, Texas, the first in the area, featuring various amenities including a full-service pharmacy and a 14-pump fuel station.
How will Meals on Wheels Texas use the donation?
Meals on Wheels Texas will use the $1 million donation to provide nutrition services to homebound seniors, addressing hunger risk among 13.6 percent of seniors.
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Additional Resources
- San Antonio Express News: H-E-B Donation
- Wikipedia: San Antonio
- News 4 San Antonio: H-E-B Donation
- Google Search: H-E-B
- H-E-B Newsroom: New Commercial with Spurs
- Google Scholar: San Antonio economy
- Progressive Grocer: H-E-B Opens New Store
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas food insecurity
- Dallas Observer: New H-E-B Construction
- Google News: Meals on Wheels Texas
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
