Make a visit to HEB’s newest store in Fair Oaks. | Photo by H-E-B Newsroom
We all know San Antonio is a town on the make with some of the fastest-growing businesses around. Here are just a few regionally and nationally acclaimed companies born right here in the Alamo City.
Valero Energy Corporation
Valero set up headquarters in San Antonio in 1980, commissioning its first full-scale refinery in 1984 in the Corpus Christi area.
Today, the company is the single largest independent refiner in the world.
It has 15 refineries, a throughput capacity of ~3.2 million barrels per day, and a reported 2024 revenue of $129.88 billion.
Church’s Chicken
In 1952, George W. Church, Sr. opened the first “Church’s Fried Chicken To Go” at 111 S. Alamo St.
The first Texas-based company to expand across the country, it operated 44 restaurants by 1968.
A. 🏡 More homes being built or sold B. 💼 New jobs or companies moving in C. 🚙 Increased traffic or commute times D. 🛍️ More restaurants, stores, or services E. 💸 Rising rents or home prices F. Other
Live Music Wednesdays | 6-9 p.m. | Viola’s Ventanas | Price of purchase | Great tunes, delicious food, a vibrant evening — enjoy live music with the talented singing guitarist, composer, and performer Josh Kindla.
Thursday, Aug. 28
Yoga Under the Stars | 7-8 p.m. | The Park at Pearl | Free | Participate in a community Vinyasa flow under the iconic red + white Pearl sign (and the stars).
Friday, Aug. 29
Drop-in Guided Tour: Texas WaterSaver Garden | 9-10 a.m. | San Antonio Botanical Garden | Be inspired at the Botanical Garden and learn about the best seasonal plants and design tips for creating a beautiful, drought-tolerant landscape.
Saturday, Aug. 30
Sensory Saturday | 9-11 a.m. | Witte Museum | Free | Enjoy a special before-hours experience designed for individuals and families with disabilities or sensory processing differences, with smaller crowds, sensory tools like earplugs, and a “Chill Zone.”
Sunday, Aug. 31
Sunday Brunch Market | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Hemisfair | Free+ | Box Street All Day hosts a sip-and-shop market curated by The Texas Market, where attendees can enjoy local vendors, a live DJ, and a delicious brunch.
Monday, Sept. 1
Robert Earl Keen Homecoming Weekend - Annual Fan Appreciation Day | 3 p.m. | Floore’s, Helotes | Enter to win tickets | Enter to win tickets to see Robert Earl Keen and his rowdy musician friends take the stage in nearby Helotes — and enjoy a laid-back party with great food, cold beer, and country-loving fellow artists.
In a unanimous vote, Kerr County leaders have voted to install new flood sirens surrounding the Guadalupe River. Commissioners voted to install a five-person project team to be helmed by former Commissioner Tom Moser, previously a NASA engineer. A solution will be presented by the team within six months. (KENS5)
Open
A new Italian takeout restaurant, Alla Nonna’s, has opened on the Westside. Paesanos Riverwalk former executive chef Raul Mendoza spearheaded the concept, which offers classics like lasagna and tiramisu. “I wanted to show that you don’t have to go downtown for $40 a plate, or to Olive Garden,” Mendoza said. (San Antonio Culture Map)
Closed
The original Burger Boy location on the St. Mary’s strip is temporarily closed after a kitchen fire on Friday, Aug. 22. The San Antonio Fire Department responded promptly and no injuries were reported. “We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and support,” wrote the chain in a statement. (San Antonio Current)
Coming Soon
Ginger’s Bistro, a new sports bar + grill, is coming to the Far North Side’s up-and-coming development, TPC Town Plaza — now in its second construction phase. Several other eateries and retail establishments, like Fatburger and Chops and Eggs, are also on their way to the space . (San Antonio Business Journal)
Travel
Your commute just got so much easier. A third flyover ramp will be opening Thursday, Aug. 28 at the intersection of I-10 and 1604. (TxDOT)
On This Day
The City of San Antonio voted to adopt its current official flag on Aug. 27, 1992. The flag sports a white five-point star in the center and a black outline of the Alamo. The current iteration is a modified version of one designed in 1932-33 by Spanish-American veteran William Herring.
Pets
Since National Dog Day was this week, it’s a great time to consider pet adoption. According to San Antonio Animal Care Services’ most recent report from July, there were 1,355 dogs waiting for adoption at their facility in July — and only 368 were adopted that month.
Sports
Marcus Mosher and Landon McCool break down the Dallas Cowboys’ latest roster moves as the NFL season approaches and Tyler Guyton’s surprising recovery list reshapes defensive strategies. Get the latest news, analysis, and insider information for the Dallas Cowboys with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Featured Deal
Experience full-body fitness from the comfort of your home with Hydrow. This Labor Day, save $575 on the Hydrow Pro or $275 on the Hydrow Wave with code NOTES. Dive into immersive workouts that engage 86% of your muscles. Stronger starts here — explore more stunning waterways today.*
The San Antonio River Foundation just announced its 2025 e-bike tour series experience, where locals can ride from Confluence Park through northern Mission Reach to tour public art, learn the area’s history, and visit the 300-year-old Espada Aqueduct — all on a provided guided e-bike. Registration is now open.
Self-care isn’t all spa days and forest bathing — although we do love a nice hot stone massage. More often than not, it’s the simple things like prioritizing rest, practicing good hygiene, and practicing mindfulness. Elevate your self-care rituals with these five products:
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
But did you know Fritos got their start in the Alamo City too? The Frito Company was founded by C.E. Doolin in 1932 — after he purchased the original corn chip recipe for just $100.
}})
