News Summary
San Antonio’s culinary scene is evolving as new restaurants and cafes, such as El Tigre Coffee Roasters and Smalls Sliders, emerge, while existing eateries confront rising egg prices. The city is responding to the challenges with community support for local businesses and initiatives aimed at enhancing food access, including a new urban farm micro-grant program. Amid these changes, residents are growing more interested in raising backyard chickens to counteract rising costs, showcasing a spirit of resilience in the face of economic difficulties.
San Antonio Deals with Rising Egg Prices and New Dining Ventures
San Antonio is buzzing with excitement as new food and drink options pop up, while local eateries grapple with the impact of rising egg prices. The city has seen a flurry of activity lately, with fresh establishments aiming to make their mark in the vibrant food scene.
El Tigre Coffee Roasters Arrives
On February 7, El Tigre Coffee Roasters officially opened its doors in the bustling St. Paul Square at 123 Heiman St. This charming coffee shop is the first local project from the Austin-based Dreamers & Doers Hospitality group, founded by Tatanka Guerrero, who has moved to San Antonio. With its unique offerings, El Tigre promises to be a delightful addition that coffee lovers will want to check out!
Smalls Sliders to Hit the Scene
In other exciting news, the Atlanta-based chain Smalls Sliders has announced plans to open a new location at 2453 W. Loop 1604 S. This trendy eatery is reinventing the fast-food experience with its innovative shipping container storefronts, affectionately called “cans.” The grand opening is set for October, so keep an eye out for those mouthwatering sliders!
Long-standing Eateries Face Challenges
However, amid all this new growth, some beloved local spots are facing tough times. The 65-year-old Bud Jones Restaurant recently reached out on social media for community support as it struggles to stay afloat in today’s challenging business environment. Similarly, The Hayden, a two-location establishment, is reporting a sales slump, particularly at its new location in Alon Market that debuted earlier this year.
Community Resilience Amid Price Increases
The rising cost of ingredients is affecting many restaurants throughout San Antonio. Notably, the average national price for a dozen Grade A eggs has skyrocketed to $4.95. This has led several eateries to implement temporary surcharges to cope with the added costs. For instance, Taco Palenque has added a 50-cent egg surcharge on its breakfast tacos, while Waffle House has made a similar 50-cent adjustment for its egg dishes.
Changing Menu Dynamics
At Lindo Jalisco Grill, owner Rafael Leon initially removed breakfast taco specials due to the soaring egg prices, but he soon reinstated them, responding to the demands of hungry patrons. Meanwhile, Taco Cabana has managed to keep its prices relatively stable despite the ongoing challenges with egg supply.
Impacts and Community Response
In an interesting twist, the rising egg prices have sparked increased interest among San Antonio residents in raising their own backyard chickens for fresh eggs. Local ordinances allow citizens to keep up to eight chickens without a permit, providing an opportunity for more sustainable living with added perks like fresh eggs and natural pest control.
Supporting Local Farms
The Food Policy Council of San Antonio is taking steps to help local agriculture with the introduction of a new urban farm micro-grant program. This initiative aims to support local farms in expanding operations to improve food access in the community. With a growing consciousness about food security, these efforts could prove beneficial for many.
Upcoming Events to Mark Your Calendar
Mark your calendars for February 24, as Lucy Cooper’s Ice House hosts the inaugural Hope for Hospitality Food and Beverage Conference. This event promises to bring together industry professionals and food lovers alike to discuss various topics, all while enjoying the vibrant San Antonio culinary scene. Additionally, on February 20, Stable Hall will welcome Fawn Weaver, the founder of Uncle Nearest, for a special event promoting her biography, Love & Whiskey.
In conclusion, San Antonio is navigating through both challenges and exciting new opportunities in its dining landscape. As community members rally around local establishments and embrace sustainable practices, the city showcases its resilience and commitment to vibrant food culture.
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Additional Resources
- KENS 5: Egg Prices Article
- Wikipedia: Egg
- San Antonio Current: Best Breakfast Tacos
- Google Search: El Tigre Coffee Roasters San Antonio
- Express News: Best Breakfast Tacos
- Google Scholar: San Antonio Fast Food
- Texas Monthly: Cha’s Market and Kitchen
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rising Egg Prices
- Express News: Tied 11th Breakfast Tacos
- Google News: San Antonio Dining News
