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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 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.

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.

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.

San Antonio is considering a tax increase for 2027 bond

2027 could be the first time the city's five-year bond program does not grow.

The San Antonio City Council is mulling whether to raise taxes to avoid cutting the next <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bond program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/06/09/san-antonio-texas-affordable-housing-bond-more-money" data-vars-content-id="0f0dedd2-95cf-47a1-a0cf-4e98bb91d6a9" data-vars-headline="San Antonio is considering a tax increase for 2027 bond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/06/09/san-antonio-texas-affordable-housing-bond-more-money" target="_self">bond program</a> in half amid a tight budget.Why it matters: Locals are already feeling the squeeze from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high gas prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/05/06/houston-gas-prices-4-dollars-tax-holiday" data-vars-content-id="0f0dedd2-95cf-47a1-a0cf-4e98bb91d6a9" data-vars-headline="San Antonio is considering a tax increase for 2027 bond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/05/06/houston-gas-prices-4-dollars-tax-holiday" target="_self">high gas prices</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="inflation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/ppi-iran-inflation" data-vars-content-id="0f0dedd2-95cf-47a1-a0cf-4e98bb91d6a9" data-vars-headline="San Antonio is considering a tax increase for 2027 bond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/ppi-iran-inflation" target="_self">inflation</a>. Elected officials have to either raise rates to continue delivering big infrastructure improvements — or decide to do fewer city upgrades.

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.

Texas reflects the nation's Latino wealth divide

Latinos power the economy, but aren't building wealth at the same pace.

Politics

The wealth gap between white and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Latino households" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/09/15/us-latino-gdp" data-vars-content-id="1945f59b-399c-4d2b-9dcf-f10017e8efed" data-vars-headline="Texas reflects the nation&#x27;s Latino wealth divide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/09/15/us-latino-gdp" target="_self">Latino households</a> poses deep problems for the U.S. economy in the coming decades, according to a recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://latino.ucla.edu/research/history-of-the-latino-wealth-gap/" data-vars-content-id="1945f59b-399c-4d2b-9dcf-f10017e8efed" data-vars-headline="Texas reflects the nation&#x27;s Latino wealth divide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://latino.ucla.edu/research/history-of-the-latino-wealth-gap/" target="_blank">report</a>. Why it matters: Latinos are the fastest-growing demographic in the U.S., but have 22 cents in household wealth for every $1 held by white households.

U.S. Supreme Court clears Texas' GOP-favored congressional map

The ruling won't change anything for elections in Texas.

Politics & Policy

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday struck down a lower court ruling that blocked Texas from using its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new congressional map" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/08/20/texas-democrats-redistricting-gerrymandering-trump" data-vars-content-id="55d0e518-d03f-4f30-9361-be7800e43b7e" data-vars-headline="U.S. Supreme Court clears Texas&#x27; GOP-favored congressional map" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/08/20/texas-democrats-redistricting-gerrymandering-trump" target="_self">new congressional map</a> favoring Republicans, with the high court cementing the new map that was already in use.Why it matters: The ruling ends <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a lawsuit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/11/22/supreme-court-texas-congressional-map-redistricting" data-vars-content-id="55d0e518-d03f-4f30-9361-be7800e43b7e" data-vars-headline="U.S. Supreme Court clears Texas&#x27; GOP-favored congressional map" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/11/22/supreme-court-texas-congressional-map-redistricting" target="_self">a lawsuit</a> over the new map in Texas, the first state to begin what turned into a nationwide redistricting battle.

How Gov. Greg Abbott wields power

He's on track to consolidate even more influence.

Texas <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gov. Greg Abbott" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/11/18/texas-abbott-muslim-brotherhood-cair-terrorist-organizations" data-vars-content-id="8ca99f31-2b19-4797-a0a7-e36236e89c04" data-vars-headline="How Gov. Greg Abbott wields power" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/11/18/texas-abbott-muslim-brotherhood-cair-terrorist-organizations" target="_self">Gov. Greg Abbott</a> is on track to consolidate even more power if he wins an unprecedented fourth term in November.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Abbott" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/08/21/texas-gov-greg-abbott-migrant-busing-dnc-border" data-vars-content-id="8ca99f31-2b19-4797-a0a7-e36236e89c04" data-vars-headline="How Gov. Greg Abbott wields power" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/08/21/texas-gov-greg-abbott-migrant-busing-dnc-border" target="_self">Abbott</a> has redefined the powers of a Texas governor, is largely unchallenged within his party and has remained relatively popular over his 11 years in power.

How the SCOTUS birthright case could affect Bexar babies

The Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday over President Trump's executive order restricting birthright citizenship.

On average, 5,400 babies were born each year to immigrant mothers in Bexar County from 2016 to 2024, according to CDC data — underscoring how many local families could be affected by potential changes to birthright citizenship.Why it matters: The Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday over President Trump&#x27;s executive order restricting birthright citizenship, in a case that could reshape who is recognized as an American at birth.

Federal bill would let cities bid to keep pro sports teams

The bill could reshape how pro teams negotiate deals.

U.S. Rep. Greg Casar (D-Austin) and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) have introduced federal legislation that would require owners of professional sports teams to give their community a chance to buy the team before relocating.Why it matters: Questions about the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Spurs potentially relocating" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/09/02/san-antonio-spurs-relocation-austin-new-arena" data-vars-content-id="1cbbbb16-810f-4a16-b8b9-c127c642b4b8" data-vars-headline="Federal bill would let cities bid to keep pro sports teams" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/09/02/san-antonio-spurs-relocation-austin-new-arena" target="_self">Spurs potentially relocating</a> if voters didn&#x27;t approve public funding for a new arena roiled San Antonio last fall.

San Antonio council gears up for police funding fight

The dispute comes as major police decisions loom.

A battle over police staffing is brewing at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Antonio City Hall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/02/09/san-antonio-city-council-saws-rate-increase" data-vars-content-id="976caafe-06f1-43f6-b2cc-a499d6f30831" data-vars-headline="San Antonio council gears up for police funding fight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/02/09/san-antonio-city-council-saws-rate-increase" target="_self">San Antonio City Hall</a>.Why it matters: The dispute highlights contrasting spending priorities on the City Council in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tight budget year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/09/18/san-antonio-city-council-budget-deficit" data-vars-content-id="976caafe-06f1-43f6-b2cc-a499d6f30831" data-vars-headline="San Antonio council gears up for police funding fight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/09/18/san-antonio-city-council-budget-deficit" target="_self">tight budget year</a> and ahead of major decisions related to the police department&#x27;s next chief and union contract.

Texas primaries test GOP redistricting strategy

Republicans might not gain all five House seats they want.

The Texas primaries this month <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="offered Democrats some hope" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/05/democrats-texas-talarico-voter-turnout" data-vars-content-id="65e5e045-b7fb-4001-9588-fc8dbe2d45a1" data-vars-headline="Texas primaries test GOP redistricting strategy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/05/democrats-texas-talarico-voter-turnout" target="_self">offered Democrats some hope</a> that Republicans&#x27; mid-decade <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="redistricting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/07/30/texas-redistricting-republicans-map-trump" data-vars-content-id="65e5e045-b7fb-4001-9588-fc8dbe2d45a1" data-vars-headline="Texas primaries test GOP redistricting strategy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/07/30/texas-redistricting-republicans-map-trump" target="_self">redistricting</a> last year <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="won&#x27;t net the GOP all five seats" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/07/28/texas-redistricting-abbott-republicans-risk" data-vars-content-id="65e5e045-b7fb-4001-9588-fc8dbe2d45a1" data-vars-headline="Texas primaries test GOP redistricting strategy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/07/28/texas-redistricting-abbott-republicans-risk" target="_self">won&#x27;t net the GOP all five seats</a> the party wants to gain in the U.S. House.Why it matters: Texas Republicans, at the urging of President Trump, kicked off a nationwide <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="redistricting war" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/28/redistricting-illinois-indiana-trump-jeffries" data-vars-content-id="65e5e045-b7fb-4001-9588-fc8dbe2d45a1" data-vars-headline="Texas primaries test GOP redistricting strategy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/28/redistricting-illinois-indiana-trump-jeffries" target="_self">redistricting war</a> for control of the House — but the party leaned on past gains with Hispanic voters in South Texas that are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="showing signs of cracking" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/05/latino-voter-turnout-texas-primaries-elections" data-vars-content-id="65e5e045-b7fb-4001-9588-fc8dbe2d45a1" data-vars-headline="Texas primaries test GOP redistricting strategy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/05/latino-voter-turnout-texas-primaries-elections" target="_self">showing signs of cracking</a>.

Latino turnout surges in Dem primary in Texas, testing GOP gains

Democratic participation across Texas was highest among the past three primaries — but it was even higher in Latino-majority counties.

Democratic primary <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="turnout" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2026/03/03/democratic-early-voting-turnout-texas" data-vars-content-id="8e4e7fdb-5511-4575-bdfa-2b70529a4164" data-vars-headline="Latino turnout surges in Dem primary in Texas, testing GOP gains" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2026/03/03/democratic-early-voting-turnout-texas" target="_self">turnout</a> in Latino hubs across Texas surged, while GOP turnout slumped, suggesting some Texas Latinos have turned away from the Republican Party.Why it matters: The results could signal a renewed interest in Democratic candidates in the fall general election after many voters along the Texas-Mexico border and in other Latino-majority areas <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shifted to the right" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/26/trump-harris-latino-voters-2024-election-pew" data-vars-content-id="8e4e7fdb-5511-4575-bdfa-2b70529a4164" data-vars-headline="Latino turnout surges in Dem primary in Texas, testing GOP gains" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/26/trump-harris-latino-voters-2024-election-pew" target="_self">shifted to the right</a> just two years ago, experts tell Axios.

Politics 🇺🇸

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Texas reflects the nation's Latino wealth divide