Category: Restaurant News

Full Goods Diner coming to Pearl in September

Full Goods Diner, a new restaurant concept by the owners of Paperboy in Austin, will offer casual and approachable fare with a nod to San Antonio’s culinary traditions. Photo: Paperboy, used with permission.

The owners behind successful Paperboy in Austin are excited to announce Full Goods Diner, a new restaurant coming to Pearl. The new diner is the product of San Antonio native and restaurateur Ryan Harms and chef Patrick Jackson of Paperboy in partnership with Potluck Hospitality. Full Goods Diner will open in September 2022 in the Full Goods building on the property, with an official opening date to be announced soon. The restaurant will be located at 200 E. Grayson St., San Antonio, TX 78215. (Potluck Hospitality, 2022)

“Having grown up in San Antonio, I am particularly excited to be back here, contributing to the city’s dining scene. We are so proud of what we’ve created with Paperboy in Austin and can’t wait to bring this fresh, yet familiar style of food and hospitality to our guests.” – owner Ryan Harms. 

Full Goods Diner will serve made from scratch, seasonally-driven food for breakfast and lunch with a menu consisting of comforting and familiar everyday food. Seasonal and local ingredients will be used to connect the restaurant to its central and south Texas roots with a blend of Mexican and American fare. Guests can expect to see menu items like handmade pastries, seasonal toasts, breakfast enchiladas, pancakes, sopes, carnitas tortas, hill country salads, and more. 

“We are excited to welcome Full Goods Diner to Pearl. Their menu is very reflective of San Antonio and we’re thrilled that they are anchoring Pearl’s new plaza and joining the excellent lineup of culinary concepts in the neighborhood.” – Pearl CEO Mesh Millsap

The design of Full Goods Diner embodies the warm and welcoming environment at Pearl with rich wooden accents, plenty of natural light, and a greenhouse-style entry. Full Goods Diner will also feature a patio that extends out into the new plaza space at Pearl that is also set to open this summer. The Full Goods team is excited to create this environment by working with Laura Brittain of Kempt Design Studio and architect Chioco Design. 

After graduating from Baylor University’s entrepreneurship program, San Antonio native Ryan Harms began working in the hospitality industry in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex before moving to Austin with the ultimate goal of owning his own restaurant. In 2015 he launched the successful Paperboy food truck, which ultimately transitioned into an even more successful brick-and-mortar location by the same name. 

In 2017, chef Patrick Jackson joined the Paperboy team as executive chef and was integral in helping to get the permanent location off the ground. Patrick grew up making pasta with his Italian grandfather and has been in the kitchen ever since. He was an invaluable part of the opening teams at The Lark and Lucky Penny in Santa Barbara’s funk zone, as well as Herb & Wood in San Diego’s Little Italy before his move to Texas. Patrick is joined at Full Goods Diner by chef de cuisine, Ruvin Samarasundera, who has worked under legendary chefs including Thomas Keller and Michael Chiarello and has been with the Paperboy team since 2021.

Founded in 2022, Potluck Hospitality conceives, operates, manages, and partners on culinary and experiential brands in San Antonio, TX. Potluck’s team is made up of chefs, designers, strategists in culture-crafting, brand, and finance who share a love of food and gathering. Potluck Hospitality’s name pays tribute to memorable experiences with great food, great music, and great company–where everyone has something to contribute. Being together, sharing meals, and communally experiencing music is elemental to what it means to be human.

Taco Cabana launches ‘Margarita Headquarters’

Taco Cabana launches ‘Margarita Headquarters’ with twelve permanent Margarita flavors to choose from all day every day. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Following three wildly successful launches of Taco Cabana’s popular MargaritaPalooza over the last two years, Taco Cabana recently announced its plans to establish its Texas locations as “Margarita Headquarters,” featuring 12 permanent margarita offerings on the TC menu. Available flavors will include beloved frozen classics like Lime, Strawberry, Mango, Strawberry Mango and Mangonada, in addition to returning favorites like Blue Curacao, Watermelon, Dragonfruit, Blood Orange, Green Apple and new exciting flavors including Coconut and Pineapple. Each will be available for $3 all day, every day. (Taco Cabana, 2022)

“Margaritapalooza was a game changer for Taco Cabana. There was so much fun and excitement for both guests and team members when we previously executed it across the TC system. We pride ourselves on listening to what our guests want, and they have consistently asked us for on-going, everyday margarita innovation and variety, not just during certain times of the year. We are now thrilled to establish ourselves as the ‘Margarita Headquarters’ with so many margarita flavors for our guests to choose from each and every day.”  – Ulyses Camacho, Chief Operating Officer at Taco Cabana

In addition to the 12 margarita flavors, a rotating thirteenth flavor will also be seasonally available for $4. Previous seasonal margarita offerings have included flavors like Pickle, Pumpkin Spice, and Cherry, among others. New or returning seasonal margaritas will be announced on an ongoing basis. Margarita Headquarters launches in San Antonio on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 and across all other Texas TC markets on Wednesday, August 3, 2022.

In addition to launching “Margarita Headquarters,” Taco Cabana will offer a summertime happy hour from 4p.m. to 7p.m. Sunday through Thursday for dine-in and drive-thru guests starting July 20, 2022 at all San Antonio locations.

Happy hour items will include:

  • $2 Lime or Strawberry Margaritas 
  • $2 domestic beer 
  • Half-price bean & cheese nachos 
  • $1.50 bean & cheese chalupa 
  • $1 bean & cheese taco 

Taco Cabana is also extending its drive-thru hours of operation at all restaurants across San Antonio. Below are the new hours of operation for all San Antonio location drive-thrus:

  • Open Sunday through Thursday from 6a.m. to 12a.m. 
  • Open Friday and Saturday from 6a.m. to 2a.m.
  • Dining rooms will continue to close at 10p.m. 

Lastly, Taco Cabana will welcome the return of its beloved salsa bar in all restaurants in San Antonio on Wednesday, July 20, 2022. The salsa bars will include Roja, Fuego, Salsa Ranch, Taco Cabana’s new salsa Verde, Pico de Gallo, and pickled jalapeños. 

All new menu items can be ordered in-restaurant, via online ordering for front counter and curbside pick-up, in the drive-thru or by mobile order when using the MY TC!® App or Taco Cabana.

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, tacos, freshly-made flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of bottled beer and signature tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of July 18, 2022, Taco Cabana operates 142 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

New restaurant concept, Carriqui, coming to the Pearl

Carriqui will showcase South Texas foodways—from the Rio Grande Valley to the Texas coast and north to San Antonio. Image courtesy of Don B. McDonald Architect, used with permission.

Potluck Hospitality is excited to announce a new restaurant coming to a historic and landmark San Antonio space. Carriqui (pronounced KHER-ih-key) will open at Pearl in what was formerly the building that housed Boehler’s Liberty Saloon and Liberty Bar. The new 380-seat, 11,000 square foot restaurant will open to the public in September 2022. Carriqui is located at 239 E Grayson St., San Antonio, TX 78215. (Potluck Hospitality, 2022)

Carriqui is named after the green jay of South Texas, the only place in the US where you can find this colorful and gregarious bird. The flightpath of the carriqui is the inspiration for the menu, which will showcase South Texas foodways—from the Rio Grande Valley to the Texas coast and north to San Antonio. The menu will feature fresh seafood from the Gulf, Rio Grande-inspired botana platters, pit-cooked barbacoa and brisket, a masa program, and a robust cocktail and beverage program.

“We are thrilled to announce Carriqui, which has been in the making for years. As stewards of the storied structure, we are excited for the building’s next chapter. We have assembled a great team to showcase the foodways of South Texas and welcome all of San Antonio to gather, relax and celebrate here.” – Potluck Hospitality CEO Elizabeth Fauerso

A team of food and beverage industry veterans make up the leadership at Carriqui. Executive Chef Jaime Gonzalez, a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena and former Executive Chef at Supper at Hotel Emma in San Antonio will lead the kitchen. Nash Zink will serve as Chef de Cuisine and Cassie McCloud will head up the bar program at Carriqui. Michael McClellan will serve as General Manager and Dominique Campa will serve as Assistant General Manager.

“It is an honor to work on this project. I am deeply passionate about the culinary program at Carriqui, which pays tribute to the flavors and foods that are central to our region. The food and experience will be warm and familiar–like you are spending time in the home of a close friend who also happens to be a great cook.” – Executive Chef Jaime Gonzalez.

Don B. McDonald Architects and Troy Jessee Construction, both of San Antonio, conceptualized and executed the interior design. Architect Don McDonald and Designer Kristen Weber led the charge on creating new spaces that would compliment the historic structure and pay homage to the building’s past lives. The restoration of the historic building (it was moved twice) lasted years and involved the expertise of dozens of artisans, building specialists, and tradespeople. 

In the early days of Pearl, Boehler’s Liberty Saloon served as the watering hole and social center for the brewery’s workers. In 1933 when prohibition ended, Pearl Brewery’s first truck delivered to this special location. Then from 1985 until 2008, the building was home to San Antonio’s heralded Liberty Bar, which moved to the King William neighborhood in 2016.

Carriqui aims to honor its past and usher in the next chapter with the very best offerings of food and atmosphere with every intention of creating a space for joyful gathering. Carriqui was created by and for San Antonians, and the experience of being at Carriqui will resonate deeply for locals with its sense of history and home, and for visitors, it will offer a glimpse into what makes San Antonio special.

Carriqui will be open to the public seven days a week and will offer lunch and dinner service. The restaurant features three different main dining spaces: The Carriqui House, The Rock House, and Courtyard & Back Porch. Private dining options for large groups and parties will also be available. The official opening date for Carriqui will be announced soon.

Whataburger awards students over $2M in scholarships

Whataburger awards 940 students across 14 states over $2M in scholarships. Photo: Whataburger

As part of Whataburger’s support for students in its communities, the brand has given 940 students across 14 states over $2M in scholarship funding for the 2022-2023 academic school year. (Whataburger, 2022)

The company’s two scholarship programs—the Whataburger Feeding Student Success Scholarship and the Whataburger Family Foundation Scholarship are part of the brand’s commitment to help students pursuing college, university and not-for-profit vocational education achieve their dreams.

  • Whataburger has given 940 scholarships worth over $2 million to students across its 14-state footprint through the company’s two scholarship programs—the Whataburger Feeding Student Success Scholarship and the Whataburger Family Foundation Scholarship.
  • $600,000 in scholarship funding was given to students, non-employees and employees, as a part of the Whataburger Feeding Student Success Scholarship and contribution from Dr Pepper.
  • An additional $1.5M in scholarships was awarded exclusively to Whataburger employees and their dependents as part of the Whataburger Family Foundation Scholarship.
  • Applications will reopen in December for the Whataburger Feeding Student Success Scholarship.

The magic of Whataburger started on August 8, 1950, in a tiny burger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. An entrepreneur named Harmon Dobson set out to build a burger so delicious that customers would take that first bite and say, “What a burger!” Today, Whataburger is known for delicious burgers, big flavor, and the brand’s pride in taking care of its guests, communities and employees, known as Family Members. Orange Spirit Week celebrates its founding and the foundation for success that Dobson created. Today, Whataburger is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, with more than 890 locations across the country.

First annual Paella on the River Walk event by Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails

Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails is inside Hotel Contessa on the River Walk. Photo: Hotel Contessa, used with permission.

Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails is bringing a taste of Spain to San Antonio with its first ever Paella on the River Walk Patio event on Thursday, June 30 from 6p.m. to 9p.m. In addition to authentic paella and sangria, Ambler will host guests for a performance from world-renowned flamenco guitarist Randy Cordero. There will be three different types of paella available including game paella (quail, pork belly, rabbit, Spanish chorizo), seafood paella (shrimp, mussels, clams, scallops), and vegetarian paella (bell peppers, artichokes, asparagus, peas, okra, sweet potato, vegetarian stock). Live paella cooking presentations will start at 6:30p.m. Tickets are now available for purchase in two different options, VIP and General Admission, but both feature all-you-can-eat paella. (Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails, 2022)

VIP tickets are $100 per person and include:
• All-you-can-eat paella
• Complimentary valet parking
• All you can (responsibly) drink Sangria during the event
• Reserved table
• Access to entertainment
• Gift Bag
• Ticket for Raffle for a 2 night stay and experience at Hotel Contessa
• Designated VIP Badge

General Admission tickets are $50 per person and include:
• All-you-can-eat paella
• Complimentary valet parking
• Welcome drink – sangria
• Access to entertainment

Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails
(Inside Hotel Contessa)
306 West Market Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
River Walk level

Photo: Hotel Contessa, used with permission.

Taco Cabana celebrates Fourth of July with limited time margaritas

The new limited time $4 Fireball Margarita will be available July 1-4, 2022. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

On Friday, July 1, 2022, Taco Cabana invites guests 21 years of age or older to try the all-new refreshing Watermelon Margarita, available at all Texas locations for just $4. At select participating locations throughout Texas, guests can spice up their Independence Day Weekend with a limited-time Fireball Margarita from Friday, July 1, 2022 through Monday, July 4, 2022 for just $4 as well. Guests can also enjoy a wide variety of Taco Cabana’s $3 classic frozen margarita flavors statewide including Lime, Strawberry, Mango, Mangonada and Strawberry/Mango. (Taco Cabana, 2022)

Pair these tantalizing summer margaritas with Taco Cabana favorites like the Dozen Taco or Flauta Boxes or TC’s Kickin’ Grande Nachos – all are a perfect addition to any 4th of July gathering. Beer lovers can also cool off with a bottled beer including Miller Lite ($3.25), Bud Lite ($3.25), Shiner Bock ($3.75) or Dos Equis XX ($3.75) and a three-pack of the newly-launched Carne Asada Street Tacos for $5.29 or one of the 16 new combinations of Smothered Burritos.

Watermelon margaritas available beginning Friday, July 1, 2022. *Fireball Margarita and dozen flauta boxes available Friday, July 1, 2022 – Monday, July 4, 2022. All other TC food offerings are available now.

*Fireball Margarita available only at select Texas locations.

TC food offerings and To-Go Margaritas are available through curbside pick-up, drive-thru, in-restaurant, and via mobile order through the MyTC! App.

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of beer and tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of June 21, 2022, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

WonderSlice at Pearl to open next week

WonderSlice will serve pizza by the slice, full pies, subs, salads, and soft serve ice cream. Photo: WonderSlice, used with permission.

Potluck Hospitality and Chef Ben Schwartz are excited to announce that WonderSlice, the first pizza concept at Pearl, is opening at the Food Hall on Monday, June 27. WonderSlice pays tribute to the heyday of neighborhood pizza joints. The name conveys a sense of nostalgia, with a promise of “wonder by the slice.” The new restaurant is accessible and playful; its offerings include fresh pizza by the slice made onsite, full pies, homemade subs, salads, and soft serve ice cream. (WonderSlice, 2022)

Select menu items include the Ball Park pizza which includes Italian sausage, red onion, broccoli rabe, and chili flakes; the Green Monster pizza with parmesan cream, shredded zucchini, and pesto; and the Meatball or Chicken Parmesan sub with marinara sauce, fresh mozzarella, parmesan, and basil.

The Grand Opening will be on Monday, June 27, 2022.
Business hours:
8a.m. to 9p.m. Sunday – Thursday
8a.m. to 10p.m. Friday and Saturday

Food Hall at Bottling Department
Pearl
312 Pearl Pkwy Building 6
San Antonio, TX 78215

Founded in 2022, Potluck Hospitality conceives, operates, manages, and partners on culinary and experiential brands in San Antonio, TX. Potluck Hospitality concepts include Best Quality Daughter, Brasserie Mon Chou Chou, Carriqui, Food Hall at Bottling Dept., Ladino, and Stable Hall (coming 2023). Potluck’s team is made up of chefs, designers, strategists in culture-crafting, brand, and finance that all share a love of food and gathering. Potluck Hospitality’s name pays tribute to memorable experiences with great food, great music, and great company–where everyone has something to contribute. Being together, sharing meals, and communally experiencing music is elemental to what it means to be human.

The Jerk Shack announces new menu

Popular Jamaican-style eatery, The Jerk Shack, is now offering brunch on Sundays. Pictured: Sweet Potato and Cream Cheese French Toast and Catfish and Grits. Photo: The Jerk Shack, used with permission.

Starting June 5, Popular Jamaican-inspired restaurant The Jerk Shack started offering brunch service on Sundays. (The Jerk Shack, 2022)

The new menu items will be available from opening (11a.m.) until 5p.m. and will feature items like:

• Catfish and Grits – herb butter broth, collard greens, red pepper coulis, jerk remoulade
• Sweet Potato and Cream Cheese French Toast – sweet potato, cream cheese, Frosted Flake-crusted powdered sugar, dulce de leche
• Texas Toast Benedict – choice of bacon or jerk pork or jerk chicken, sunny-side-up eggs, habanero hollandaise, parmesan cheese

The Jerk Shack’s regular menu will still be available throughout the day in addition to the new brunch menu.

The Jerk Shack
10234 TX-151
San Antonio, TX 78251

The Jerk Shack is a concept by Chef Nicola Blaque and her husband Cornelius Massey. After serving ten years in the Army, Blaque began working as a private chef to explore her passion for cooking. She relocated to San Antonio from Hawaii to pursue a degree at the Culinary Institute of America where she graduated in 2016. Blaque returned to her Jamaican roots and began focusing on Caribbean cuisine, working to bring the unique flavors to South Texas. In 2018, the team launched The Jerk Shack, a restaurant inspired by the flavors of Jamaica and the Caribbean. The Jerk Shack has received national praise including being featured by Eater as one of the 2019 Top 16 New Restaurants in America as well as being included in GQ’s 2020 Best New Restaurants in America.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar’s Father’s Day deals

Celebrate Father’s Day with Hopdoddy Burger Bar. Photo: Hopdoddy Burger Bar, used with permission.

With Father’s Day coming up this month, Hopdoddy Burger Bar has a couple of Father’s Day promotions to celebrate dad on his special day. (Hopdoddy Burger Bar, 2022) 

Celebrating at Hopdoddy- Double It for Dad  

  • On Father’s Day, June 19, Hopdoddy is offering a second beef patty on the house with your burger. Just mention the promotion in person at any one of the burger joint’s restaurant locations. Note: This option is available for dine-in only and applies to the regular beef, chicken, and veggie burger patties. 

Celebrating at Home – Hoppy Gift Ideas for Dad

  • If your dad likes burgers, beer, and good puns, Hopdoddy’s Hop Shop has the perfect gifts for him. What better Father’s Day gift than a “Good with Meat” apron, or a nice pint glass and grilling accessories to help with his next big cookout? Check out all of the items available now at Hopdoddy online. 

Hopdoddy has been a Texas staple since 2010 and is now a nationally-recognized burger and beer joint. The burger bar offers a wide variety of burgers made with fresh, all-natural proteins like Certified Piedmontese beef, buffalo, and sushi-grade tuna. Alongside burgers, Hopdoddy offers hand-cut fries, fresh salads, handspun shakes, and a full bar featuring local craft beer, regional spirits, and some of the best margaritas in town.

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Taco Cabana launches all new carne asada street tacos and cherry margarita

Taco Cabana’s all new street tacos, along with the cherry margarita and smothered burritos will be available at all Taco Cabana locations starting Wednesday June 8, 2022. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Quality, unique flavors and culinary innovation are center stage at Taco Cabana this summer. TC is introducing their all-new Carne Asada Street Tacos, new options for Smothered Burritos, a new dessert and a new, limited-time seasonal margarita. (Taco Cabana, 2022)

Launching June 8, 2022, TC lovers can visit any Texas location and try the new Carne Asada Street Tacos in a three-pack for $4.29, as a plate with rice and beans for $7.59 or as a combo, with chips & queso and a drink for $8.99. The all-new TC Carne Asada is USDA Choice beef, seasoned with salt and pepper, then seared on a flat top to deliver a delicious traditional charred flavor. The charred carne asada is then placed on corn tortillas, topped with chopped onions and cilantro and served with a wedge of lime on the side.

Taco Cabana is also expanding its burrito offerings with 16 new smothered burrito combinations this summer. Guests first choose their protein including Chicken Fajita for $8.29, Steak Fajita for $9.89, Ground Beef for $8.09 or Shredded Chicken for $7.49, then select one of four homemade sauces to smother their burrito with – choosing from Queso, Queso Blanco, Tex-Mex, or Green Sauce. 

The new and never-before-served-at-TC Cherry Margarita is a refreshing taste of summer pairing perfectly with any TC meal for those 21 years of age or older and is available for just $4. Guests of legal drinking age can also indulge in TC’s variety of classic frozen margarita offerings all day, every day to help quench the Texas summer heat

“TC guests have been asking for a cherry margarita since we expanded our margarita line three years ago,” said Taco Cabana Chief Operating Officer, Ulyses Camacho. “We’re excited to bring cherry margaritas to TC.”

To complement any TC meal, guests can indulge in an expanded dessert line including signature TC sopapillas, churros, Tres Leches cake or TC’s new chocolate chip cookie, available starting June 18, 2022.

“We are very proud of our industry-leading stature when it comes to great Tex-Mex flavor, the use of quality ingredients and ongoing culinary innovation,” continued Camacho. “As a brand, first and foremost, we are committed to always listening to what our guests want from us, innovating, then delivering great menu variety against those asks.”

All new menu items can be ordered in-restaurant, via online ordering for front counter and curbside pick-up, in the drive-thru or by mobile order when using the MY TC!® App or online.

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, tacos, freshly-made flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of bottled beer and signature tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of June 1, 2022, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas