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How a San Antonio restaurant is leaning into AI

The eatery is leaning on AI amid labor shortages, bucking a broader industry trend of slow adoption.

Food and Drink

San Antonio <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="restaurants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/01/07/san-antonio-restaurants-2026-food-trends" data-vars-content-id="9fb83d9f-977a-47ab-9a1f-cdb1aa9816d3" data-vars-headline="How a San Antonio restaurant is leaning into AI" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/01/07/san-antonio-restaurants-2026-food-trends" target="_self">restaurants</a> are starting to embrace artificial intelligence.Why it matters: The restaurant industry is one of the nation&#x27;s largest employers, yet one of the slowest sectors to adopt AI tools, Ben Knorr, Texas Restaurant Association&#x27;s (TRA) vice president of strategic initiatives, tells Axios.

Why so many San Antonio businesses are selling shirts

The pandemic forced small businesses to get more creative.

Business

San Antonio <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="restaurants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/05/18/san-antonio-best-new-taquerias-tacos-2026" data-vars-content-id="83d1f935-4dd8-40bc-8769-4c99d407b3b9" data-vars-headline="Why so many San Antonio businesses are selling shirts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/05/18/san-antonio-best-new-taquerias-tacos-2026" target="_self">restaurants</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="coffee shops" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/05/13/san-antonio-coffee-truck-serves-spurs-specials" data-vars-content-id="83d1f935-4dd8-40bc-8769-4c99d407b3b9" data-vars-headline="Why so many San Antonio businesses are selling shirts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/05/13/san-antonio-coffee-truck-serves-spurs-specials" target="_self">coffee shops</a> aren&#x27;t just selling food and beverages anymore — they&#x27;re building a fanbase.Why it matters: The pandemic forced small businesses to get more creative online about reaching customers. The loyalty forged during that period has stuck around and evolved.

Why plant-based dining is struggling in San Antonio

Consumers are focusing on protein and comfort food.

News

San Antonio&#x27;s vegan and vegetarian dining scene is faltering in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tough economy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/20/gas-prices-us-iran-war-4-dollars-50-states" data-vars-content-id="5cf9d5a1-21f7-4d36-be9a-4fc9faed069a" data-vars-headline="Why plant-based dining is struggling in San Antonio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/20/gas-prices-us-iran-war-4-dollars-50-states" target="_self">tough economy</a> and as consumers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="focus on protein" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/24/chicken-protein-deals" data-vars-content-id="5cf9d5a1-21f7-4d36-be9a-4fc9faed069a" data-vars-headline="Why plant-based dining is struggling in San Antonio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/24/chicken-protein-deals" target="_self">focus on protein</a>, but experts say <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="plant-forward dining" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/10/16/san-antonio-restaurants-vegan-food-plant-based" data-vars-content-id="5cf9d5a1-21f7-4d36-be9a-4fc9faed069a" data-vars-headline="Why plant-based dining is struggling in San Antonio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/10/16/san-antonio-restaurants-vegan-food-plant-based" target="_self">plant-forward dining</a> isn&#x27;t going anywhere in the long term.Why it matters: Research <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="consistently" data-vars-click-url="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6855976/" data-vars-content-id="5cf9d5a1-21f7-4d36-be9a-4fc9faed069a" data-vars-headline="Why plant-based dining is struggling in San Antonio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6855976/" target="_blank">consistently</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shows" data-vars-click-url="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7184671/" data-vars-content-id="5cf9d5a1-21f7-4d36-be9a-4fc9faed069a" data-vars-headline="Why plant-based dining is struggling in San Antonio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7184671/" target="_blank">shows</a> that eating less meat is one of the most impactful personal ways to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="combat climate change" data-vars-click-url="https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/science/climate-issues/food" data-vars-content-id="5cf9d5a1-21f7-4d36-be9a-4fc9faed069a" data-vars-headline="Why plant-based dining is struggling in San Antonio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/science/climate-issues/food" target="_blank">combat climate change</a> and improve health.

Spurs explain why ticket sales are limited to local fans

The policy aims to prioritize local fans and deter outside brokers.

Sports

As the Western Conference finals head to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Antonio" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/05/13/san-antonio-spurs-honking-playoffs-tradition" data-vars-content-id="bd8cec22-4a55-41b2-9458-95b470575374" data-vars-headline="Spurs explain why ticket sales are limited to local fans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/05/13/san-antonio-spurs-honking-playoffs-tradition" target="_self">San Antonio</a> for Game 3 on Friday, you won&#x27;t see too many Thunder fans who made the trip down I-35 — at least not if the Spurs can help it.Why it matters: For playoff games, the Spurs block ticket purchases from more than 150 miles outside the Frost Bank Center — meant to prioritize local fans, Spurs Sports &amp; Entertainment spokesperson Lucy Kaneb tells Axios.

How rising restaurant costs are reshaping San Antonio's food scene

Shared kitchens and food trucks are becoming launchpads for chefs.

As restaurant costs rise, shared kitchens, food trucks and community college programs are offering <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local aspiring chefs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/10/29/san-antonio-michelin-stars-restaurants-2025" data-vars-content-id="1f7bac82-e47a-4854-8380-ea8acba1e374" data-vars-headline="How rising restaurant costs are reshaping San Antonio&#x27;s food scene" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/10/29/san-antonio-michelin-stars-restaurants-2025" target="_self">local aspiring chefs</a> lower-cost paths into the industry.Why it matters: San Antonio&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="growing culinary reputation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/05/18/san-antonio-best-new-taquerias-tacos-2026" data-vars-content-id="1f7bac82-e47a-4854-8380-ea8acba1e374" data-vars-headline="How rising restaurant costs are reshaping San Antonio&#x27;s food scene" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/05/18/san-antonio-best-new-taquerias-tacos-2026" target="_self">growing culinary reputation</a> is creating opportunity, but rising costs are changing how chefs break in.

How to enjoy great Asian and Pacific Islander food in San Antonio

The program offers discounts while spotlighting AANHPI-owned restaurants.

A returning food event is spotlighting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Antonio&#x27;s Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) restaurant scene" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/05/09/aapi-month-restaurants-san-antonio" data-vars-content-id="b2132d92-bac7-43ab-870b-b55ab1138451" data-vars-headline="How to enjoy great Asian and Pacific Islander food in San Antonio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/05/09/aapi-month-restaurants-san-antonio" target="_self">San Antonio&#x27;s Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) restaurant scene</a> through a citywide passport program.The big picture: The growing event mirrors San Antonio&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="expanding AANHPI community" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/06/29/san-antonio-fastest-growing-demographics" data-vars-content-id="b2132d92-bac7-43ab-870b-b55ab1138451" data-vars-headline="How to enjoy great Asian and Pacific Islander food in San Antonio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/06/29/san-antonio-fastest-growing-demographics" target="_self">expanding AANHPI community</a>. Since 2000, the city&#x27;s Asian population has grown by about 203%, while the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander population increased by about 167%.

Spurs unveil firms for downtown arena project

San Antonio's future arena district is taking shape.

Spurs Sports &amp; Entertainment (SS&amp;E) said Wednesday it has hired nine firms to design, plan and build the team&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="downtown arena" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/11/05/san-antonio-election-results-downtown-spurs-arena" data-vars-content-id="552fb63c-ae5c-48d7-bada-79332afdf031" data-vars-headline="Spurs unveil firms for downtown arena project" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/11/05/san-antonio-election-results-downtown-spurs-arena" target="_self">downtown arena</a> and surrounding entertainment district.Why it matters: The announcement marks a key step forward for the long-discussed arena project.

CPS Energy eyes more natural gas as demand soars

The utility must keep up with growth and climate goals.

CPS Energy is looking to rely more on natural gas and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="solar power" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/12/02/texas-renewables-trump" data-vars-content-id="671a09d8-2168-4f69-9843-f314e8cbe5f0" data-vars-headline="CPS Energy eyes more natural gas as demand soars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/12/02/texas-renewables-trump" target="_self">solar power</a>, but less on wind, as San Antonio&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="electricity needs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/08/13/texas-power-prices-ai-data-centers" data-vars-content-id="671a09d8-2168-4f69-9843-f314e8cbe5f0" data-vars-headline="CPS Energy eyes more natural gas as demand soars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/08/13/texas-power-prices-ai-data-centers" target="_self">electricity needs</a> surge past what the utility forecast just three years ago.Why it matters: Without changes, capacity will begin to fall short of demand by the early part of the next decade, which could mean higher costs for consumers — though CPS officials say they are working to prevent that.

Ready to Work is eyeing AI training for San Antonio

Workers with and without college degrees could benefit.

San Antonio&#x27;s Ready to Work program could soon feature <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="artificial intelligence" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/04/24/ut-health-san-antonio-ai-medicine-dual-degree" data-vars-content-id="0f228857-e73b-453f-87d5-3dc4971a55ea" data-vars-headline="Ready to Work is eyeing AI training for San Antonio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/04/24/ut-health-san-antonio-ai-medicine-dual-degree" target="_self">artificial intelligence</a> training as officials gauge what skills local <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="employers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/11/25/san-antonio-wages-lag-in-early-career-growth" data-vars-content-id="0f228857-e73b-453f-87d5-3dc4971a55ea" data-vars-headline="Ready to Work is eyeing AI training for San Antonio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/11/25/san-antonio-wages-lag-in-early-career-growth" target="_self">employers</a> need.Why it matters: &quot;People on the lower end of the socio-economic spectrum are the ones that typically get left behind when there&#x27;s new emerging technologies that are starting to penetrate the labor force,&quot; Mike Ramsey, executive director of workforce development for the city, tells Axios.

Spurs-inspired fashion is booming in San Antonio

Local boutiques say demand for women's Spurs fashion is surging.

Women are driving a new era of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Spurs fashion in San Antonio" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/20/san-antonio-spurs-clinch-playoffs-2019-2026" data-vars-content-id="07e41295-f6c1-4a48-afc8-7be0f9d1d91b" data-vars-headline="Spurs-inspired fashion is booming in San Antonio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/20/san-antonio-spurs-clinch-playoffs-2019-2026" target="_self">Spurs fashion in San Antonio</a>, trading jerseys for one-of-a-kind game-day looks from local boutiques.Why it matters: Local shops are thriving as fans seek pieces that feel more personal than mass-produced merch.

The Village will bring women-centered wellness hub to Southtown

Spa, fitness and child care under one roof.

The Village is coming to San Antonio this year, offering a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="women-centered hub" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ourvillage.com/" data-vars-content-id="8c35d311-c4ba-493b-af6b-280f34815595" data-vars-headline="The Village will bring women-centered wellness hub to Southtown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ourvillage.com/" target="_blank">women-centered hub</a> with spa services, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fitness classes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/01/29/pilates-studios-san-antonio-map" data-vars-content-id="8c35d311-c4ba-493b-af6b-280f34815595" data-vars-headline="The Village will bring women-centered wellness hub to Southtown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/01/29/pilates-studios-san-antonio-map" target="_self">fitness classes</a>, child care and more.The big picture: The members-only concept aims to create a holistic space where women can recharge, connect and find support in one place.

Business 🏦

Why so many San Antonio businesses are selling shirts

How a San Antonio restaurant is leaning into AI

Why plant-based dining is struggling in San Antonio

How rising restaurant costs are reshaping San Antonio's food scene

How to enjoy great Asian and Pacific Islander food in San Antonio