Kerbey Lane Cafe, an Austin staple, has branched out into Alamo City near The Rim shopping district. If you’re ever craving pancakes, queso, or a delicious happy hour drink, this is the next spot you need to try.
City Editor Nicholas spoke with Mason + Christina Ayer, CEO and CFO of Kerbey Lane Cafe, to discuss the diner’s interest in San Antonio, a future second location, and its goals on becoming an Alamo City resource with its Kerbey Kindness campaign.
Let’s dig in.
Editor’s note: This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
What was the inspiration behind Kerbey Lane Cafe?
Mason: Kerbey Lane Cafe is older than both of us, it’s a business my parents started just a couple of months before I was born. Kerbey Lane’s inspiration has been the same since it started 43 years ago which is: High quality food at an affordable price, and creating a place where everyone is welcomed.
What was the decision behind bringing a location to San Antonio?
Mason: From a logistics standpoint it would be easier to open in San Antonio than Houston or Dallas, but we also just really enjoy being in the Alamo City. I’m a lifelong Spurs fan and have been going to games since I was a kid, so I’ve spent a lot more time there than I have in other Texas metro areas. I could see myself living in San Antonio and enjoying it too, the decision to plant a Kerbey Lane there just felt right.
Are you looking to partner with San Antonio nonprofits as part of your Kerbey Kindness initiative?
Christina: We officially launched our giving platform, Kerbey Kindness, in January 2023, but we have been giving back to the community before then. We have four pillars in our philosophy, nutrition, health + wellness, education, and family + animal welfare. How we support these pillars is that in each fiscal quarter of the year, we will partner with a local nonprofit organization and proceeds from our special pancake flavor will go to that group.
San Antonio is no exception, if a nonprofit would like to apply to be a part of Kerbey Kindness, we encourage them to do so.
Are there any expansion plans in the works?
Mason: I’m glad you asked. We are in the process of finalizing the details for a second location in San Antonio. While we haven’t signed the lease just yet, we do have a Letter of Intent for a building on Broadway in the Alamo Heights neighborhood. Realistically the project won’t start until the end of 2024, beginning of 2025.
