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Toyota to build Tacoma in $3.6B San Antonio expansion

The project adds a second assembly line and 2,000 new jobs.

News

Toyota&#x27;s San Antonio plant will manufacture the popular Tacoma pickup under a $3.6 billion expansion. Why it matters: The 2.5 million-square-foot expansion will double the size of Toyota&#x27;s South Side campus by 2030 and create 2,000 jobs.

San Antonio to reopen e-bike voucher applications

The city received another round of federal funding.

San Antonio will soon open a second application cycle for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="electric bicycle" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/climate" data-vars-content-id="a7e23d24-d1f7-4c23-a047-9382448c7c07" data-vars-headline="San Antonio to reopen e-bike voucher applications" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/climate" target="_self">electric bicycle</a> vouchers thanks to another round of federal funding.Why it matters: The program aims to expand access to affordable, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="low-emission transportation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/06/18/san-antonio-austin-great-springs-project-trail" data-vars-content-id="a7e23d24-d1f7-4c23-a047-9382448c7c07" data-vars-headline="San Antonio to reopen e-bike voucher applications" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/06/18/san-antonio-austin-great-springs-project-trail" target="_self">low-emission transportation</a> for residents with lower incomes by offering $1,000 vouchers to help purchase an e-bicycle.

CPS Energy offers savings on electric vehicle charging

CPS is offering incentives to save during peak hours.

New CPS Energy programs let customers earn bill credits for charging their electric vehicles at times when there&#x27;s less strain on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="electric grid" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/12/texas-power-grid-summer-demand-ercot-forecast" data-vars-content-id="b3d1eedd-3f27-4c12-a045-820f6642f377" data-vars-headline="CPS Energy offers savings on electric vehicle charging" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/12/texas-power-grid-summer-demand-ercot-forecast" target="_self">electric grid</a>.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city-owned utility&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/05/12/san-antonio-cps-energy-natural-gas-data-centers" data-vars-content-id="b3d1eedd-3f27-4c12-a045-820f6642f377" data-vars-headline="CPS Energy offers savings on electric vehicle charging" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/05/12/san-antonio-cps-energy-natural-gas-data-centers" target="_self">city-owned utility&#x27;s</a> way of offering <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a financial incentive" data-vars-click-url="https://newsroom.cpsenergy.com/ev-smart-rewards-program/" data-vars-content-id="b3d1eedd-3f27-4c12-a045-820f6642f377" data-vars-headline="CPS Energy offers savings on electric vehicle charging" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://newsroom.cpsenergy.com/ev-smart-rewards-program/" target="_blank">a financial incentive</a> to use less electricity during peak hours.

Spurs playoff run was a windfall for San Antonio bars

Some bars saw sales increases north of 100% this year.

San Antonio bars gained a huge bump in business during the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Spurs&#x27; playoffs run" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/06/01/spurs-okc-wcf-finals-wemby-wembanyama" data-vars-content-id="0b582561-0b03-4a40-bb75-cdd01ca5734f" data-vars-headline="Spurs playoff run was a windfall for San Antonio bars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/06/01/spurs-okc-wcf-finals-wemby-wembanyama" target="_self">Spurs&#x27; playoffs run</a>, new data analyzed by Axios shows.Why it matters: Local watering holes always run on tight margins, and many in neighborhoods known for nightlife have struggled amid <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city construction" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/08/25/st-marys-strip-road-construction-ending-delays" data-vars-content-id="0b582561-0b03-4a40-bb75-cdd01ca5734f" data-vars-headline="Spurs playoff run was a windfall for San Antonio bars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/08/25/st-marys-strip-road-construction-ending-delays" target="_self">city construction</a>.

The Esquire Tavern begins a new chapter

Familiar hands take over the Esquire Tavern.

Food and Drink

The Esquire Tavern, one of San Antonio&#x27;s most venerable bars, is under new ownership.Why it matters: The Esquire is recognized as the oldest bar on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="River Walk" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/05/07/san-antonio-river-walk-public-meetings-recovery-plan" data-vars-content-id="9bfb5032-25c2-4ede-9e9d-1b6c29c378b9" data-vars-headline="The Esquire Tavern begins a new chapter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/05/07/san-antonio-river-walk-public-meetings-recovery-plan" target="_self">River Walk</a>, having famously opened the day Prohibition ended.

Taste test: Wilhelm & Werner inside New Braunfels' historic hotel

Here's what it's like to dine inside the storied Faust Hotel.

I recently took a trip up Interstate 35 to check out <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wilhelm &amp; Werner" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thefausthotel.com/eat-drink/wilhelm-werner" data-vars-content-id="efe43924-af92-4e99-9480-58e47fd77706" data-vars-headline="Taste test: Wilhelm &amp; Werner inside New Braunfels&#x27; historic hotel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thefausthotel.com/eat-drink/wilhelm-werner" target="_blank">Wilhelm &amp; Werner</a>, the new restaurant inside The Faust Hotel.Catch up quick: The historic spot — originally opened as the Traveler&#x27;s Hotel in 1929 — reopened in downtown <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Braunfels" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/26/old-city-hall-new-braunfels-restaurant-menu-review" data-vars-content-id="efe43924-af92-4e99-9480-58e47fd77706" data-vars-headline="Taste test: Wilhelm &amp; Werner inside New Braunfels&#x27; historic hotel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/26/old-city-hall-new-braunfels-restaurant-menu-review" target="_self">New Braunfels</a> last month after an extensive renovation.

San Antonio Food Bank's Restaurant Weeks returns

Dishes made with local produce aim to fight kids' hunger.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Antonio Food Bank&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/10/21/san-antonio-food-bank-government-shutdown-help" data-vars-content-id="eb46c03d-952e-490f-a1a9-9c429ac2611a" data-vars-headline="San Antonio Food Bank&#x27;s Restaurant Weeks returns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/10/21/san-antonio-food-bank-government-shutdown-help" target="_self">San Antonio Food Bank&#x27;s</a> Restaurant Weeks is back with fresh new dishes aimed at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fighting hunger" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/05/14/texas-food-banks-snap-cuts-hunger-san-antonio" data-vars-content-id="eb46c03d-952e-490f-a1a9-9c429ac2611a" data-vars-headline="San Antonio Food Bank&#x27;s Restaurant Weeks returns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/05/14/texas-food-banks-snap-cuts-hunger-san-antonio" target="_self">fighting hunger</a> among kids.Why it matters: When school is out for the summer, children can lose access to the meals they get at school. More than 22% of kids in Bexar County live in food-insecure households, per the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="latest estimates" data-vars-click-url="https://map.feedingamerica.org/county/2023/child/texas/county/bexar" data-vars-content-id="eb46c03d-952e-490f-a1a9-9c429ac2611a" data-vars-headline="San Antonio Food Bank&#x27;s Restaurant Weeks returns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://map.feedingamerica.org/county/2023/child/texas/county/bexar" target="_blank">latest estimates</a> from Feeding America.

Miles in St. Paul Square delivers on food and vibes

Miles brings fresh energy and tasty bites to St. Paul Square.

I finally had the chance to check out <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Miles" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/milessatx/" data-vars-content-id="b6f2f77a-860c-4553-9630-620241c38361" data-vars-headline="Miles in St. Paul Square delivers on food and vibes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/milessatx/" target="_blank">Miles</a>, a new bar in St. Paul Square.The vibe: It has the friendly, laid-back feel of a neighborhood bar with the lively energy you want for a night out.

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.

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 plant-based dining is struggling in San Antonio

Consumers are focusing on protein and comfort food.

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.

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.

San Antonio's best new taquerias, per Texas Monthly

Four of the 25 best new taquerias in Texas are in San Antonio, Texas Monthly's taco editor writes.

Four of the 25 best new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="taquerias in Texas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/10/21/best-tacos-texas-san-antonio-stixs-stone-garcias" data-vars-content-id="86cf70ef-c923-43e0-921d-ecb02b65c7a9" data-vars-headline="San Antonio&#x27;s best new taquerias, per Texas Monthly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/10/21/best-tacos-texas-san-antonio-stixs-stone-garcias" target="_self">taquerias in Texas</a> are in San Antonio, Texas Monthly&#x27;s taco editor writes in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new listing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.texasmonthly.com/food/25-best-new-texas-taquerias-2026/" data-vars-content-id="86cf70ef-c923-43e0-921d-ecb02b65c7a9" data-vars-headline="San Antonio&#x27;s best new taquerias, per Texas Monthly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.texasmonthly.com/food/25-best-new-texas-taquerias-2026/" target="_blank">new listing</a>.Why it matters: We <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="take our tacos seriously" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/02/12/san-antonio-texas-best-taquerias-tacos" data-vars-content-id="86cf70ef-c923-43e0-921d-ecb02b65c7a9" data-vars-headline="San Antonio&#x27;s best new taquerias, per Texas Monthly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/02/12/san-antonio-texas-best-taquerias-tacos" target="_self">take our tacos seriously</a> here, so San Antonians expect to be featured prominently in any roundup of great Texas taquerias.

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%.

San Antonio seeks public input on River Walk future

The city is gathering input on what comes next for the River Walk.

Business

The city of San Antonio is asking residents to help shape the future of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="River Walk" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/06/20/where-to-eat-downtown-san-antonio-restaurants" data-vars-content-id="a3b7da98-a8c1-4956-ace8-fc00a53afd7e" data-vars-headline="San Antonio seeks public input on River Walk future" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/06/20/where-to-eat-downtown-san-antonio-restaurants" target="_self">River Walk</a>, starting with a public meeting this weekend.Why it matters: The landmark destination — typically a major tourist draw — has struggled to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Food and Drink 🍽

The Esquire Tavern begins a new chapter

San Antonio warehouse hides standout coffee

Blue Rodeo Coffee perks up Broadway

La Panadería offers free kids meals on Wednesdays

Taste test: Wilhelm & Werner inside New Braunfels' historic hotel