San Antonio, TX, January 21, 2026

San Antonio Police Chief William McManus has announced his retirement set for September 2026, marking the end of his long tenure. In other news, the city prepares for the opening of ‘Mexico Ceaty’, a new Mexican-inspired venue on the River Walk, and welcomes new locally-owned restaurants at the airport. The San Antonio Zoo has unveiled ‘Congo Falls,’ a new gorilla habitat, while UTSA merges with the Health Science Center to enhance academic health services in the region. The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo also reveals its upcoming 2026 dates.

San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio Police Chief William McManus Announces Retirement

San Antonio Police Chief William McManus, the city’s longest-serving police chief, has announced his retirement, effective by September 2026. McManus, who has led the department since 2006, cited pride in the department’s progress in community trust and public safety during his tenure. City Manager Erik Walsh praised McManus’ leadership and experience, emphasizing his influence on public safety in San Antonio and across the country. Walsh will appoint McManus’s successor, subject to City Council approval.

New Mexican-Inspired Venue ‘Mexico Ceaty’ Set to Open on River Walk

A major redevelopment of San Antonio’s Rivercenter food court, named ‘Mexico Ceaty,’ is set to open in April 2026. Spearheaded by local chef Jason Dady, the 21,000-square-foot venue aims to revitalize interest in the River Walk by offering a unique Mexican-forward experience. Described as San Antonio’s answer to Eataly, it will combine sit-down dining, grab-and-go kiosks, bars, and retail in one location. The venue’s design draws from diverse Mexican and Tex-Mex influences and includes a mural by local artist Colton Valentine. Mexico Ceaty’s debut will coincide with the city’s Fiesta event (April 16–26), positioning it to attract both tourists and locals.

San Antonio International Airport to Welcome New Locally Owned Restaurants

San Antonio International Airport (SAT) is set to welcome several new locally owned restaurants as part of a broader multibillion-dollar renovation project aimed at enhancing the travel experience. Tre Trattoria has already opened in Terminal A. Additional restaurant openings are expected to roll out across the first, second, and third quarters of 2026, although specific dates and names for the upcoming vendors have not yet been provided. The initiative marks a significant upgrade in the airport’s food and beverage offerings, promising more diverse and appealing options for travelers.

San Antonio Zoo Unveils New Gorilla Habitat ‘Congo Falls’

The San Antonio Zoo has officially opened its new gorilla habitat, ‘Congo Falls,’ on December 13, 2025. The 2-acre exhibit marks the return of gorillas to the zoo after a 35-year absence, following the relocation of its last gorilla to the National Zoo in 1990. The habitat is part of the zoo’s ongoing efforts to enhance animal welfare and provide visitors with immersive wildlife experiences.

University of Texas at San Antonio and Health Science Center Merge

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and the University of Texas Health Science Center have merged, effective September 1, 2025. The unified institution, now known as the University of Texas at San Antonio, serves as the region’s primary academic health entity, offering six professional schools and engaging in education, clinical care, research, and community health service. With an annual operating budget of around $1.46 billion and a research portfolio exceeding $413 million, the merger aims to strengthen the university’s position among academic medical centers in the United States.

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Announces 2026 Dates

The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo has announced its 2026 dates, scheduled to take place over three weeks in February. The event will feature live entertainment from major recording artists, family-friendly exhibits, a carnival, and shopping. The rodeo is part of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) schedule and has been awarded the PRCA Large Indoor Rodeo of the Year for 14 consecutive years. It is estimated that 1.3 million people attended the 2022 event, making it one of the top events in the city alongside Fiesta San Antonio.

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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.