San Antonio’s Restaurant Scene Encounters Multiple Closures

News Summary

The start of 2025 has been challenging for San Antonio’s restaurant scene, with several beloved eateries announcing closures. Iconic spots like La Madeleine and Chef Johnny Hernandez’s The Frutería-Botanero have shut down recently, while others like Vista Brewery and Thatta Boy Burgers have followed suit. These closures are attributed to various economic pressures affecting local establishments. Despite the gloom, there’s hope for new concepts on the horizon as the community continues to support its culinary landscape.

San Antonio’s Restaurant Scene Faces Tumultuous Start to 2025 with Multiple Closures

Hey there, food lovers of San Antonio! It looks like the start of 2025 has been a rollercoaster ride for the local restaurant scene, with several beloved eateries announcing their closures in just the first two weeks of January. Grab your favorite snack, settle in, and let’s take a closer look at what’s been happening!

La Madeleine Says Goodbye

Kicking things off, we got the news that La Madeleine has closed its Broadway location, marking one of the very first closures of the year on January 1. The French café was a popular spot, and it actually holds the title of the first La Madeleine in the San Antonio area! Don’t worry too much, though; there are still four other locations open and ready to serve those delicious pastries and comforting dishes.

Chef Johnny Hernandez’s New Concept

Just a few days later, on January 4, Chef Johnny Hernandez, known for his culinary talents, announced the closure of his restaurant, The Frutería-Botanero, located in trendy Southtown. But don’t despair just yet! Chef Hernandez hinted at a “new concept” coming soon, and we’re excited to see what he has in store. The Frutería-Botanero has already been rebranded to The Botanero Lounge and is unveiling a fresh cocktail menu that’s making waves on Instagram. Keep those spirits high, folks!

A Toast to Vista Brewery

On January 5, Vista Brewery chimed in with its closure announcement for the taproom right here in San Antonio. This spot has been a local favorite for craft beer lovers, but it looks like they’re turning off the taps for now. The good news is that their headquarters remains open in beautiful Driftwood, just outside of Austin, so you can always head there for a pint!

Thatta Boy Burgers Bites the Dust

As if that wasn’t enough, Thatta Boy Burgers, a Stone Oak joint that opened just last summer, closed its doors on January 7. Their notice cited “unforeseen circumstances,” leaving many burger fans wondering what happened behind the scenes. It’s always sad to see a new place go, especially when they had so much potential.

McDonald’s Changes Course

Continuing the trend of closures, McDonald’s announced on January 9 that it would shutter three CosMc’s locations across Texas. They’re planning to open two smaller outlets, but the details about which restaurants will close are still under wraps. The San Antonio CosMc’s website currently lists two locations, along with two others in Fort Worth and Dallas, so we’ll have to wait and see where the changes will happen.

South BBQ & Kitchen Relocating

Last but not least, South BBQ & Kitchen shared some news on Instagram about its Mission Road location closing on January 12. After six good years, they’re planning to relocate, with hopes of opening a new spot by mid to late summer 2025. BBQ lovers in San Antonio, stay tuned! A new spot could mean exciting new flavors.

What’s Going On?

So, what’s the deal with all these closures? Many local restaurants are dealing with some economic pressures, such as rising costs and staffing difficulties that have made running a business a challenge. It’s tough out there, and the trend of instability seems to be affecting restaurants far and wide. While it’s a little gloomy to hear about these closures, let’s celebrate the resilience of our local food spots. We can look forward to new concepts and possibilities just around the corner.

Stay tuned and keep your taste buds ready, San Antonio! Here’s hoping for brighter days and delicious meals ahead.