Residents of the Southeast Side are watching a dining revolution unfold as Brooks continues to welcome a fleet of restaurant chains and franchises to its retail and entertainment district dubbed La Picosa. Despite previous skepticism regarding the endeavor, the community now enjoys a broadened palate of dining options, igniting a feeling of success among local business leaders and developers.
According to a report by San Antonio Report, the Brooks area, once part of an air force base, has transformed into a nearly billion-dollar economic hub. The windfall didn't come overnight, however, as Adam Love of Colegas Ventures notes, he was surprised in 2019 at the undeveloped potential of the locale. He swiftly capitalized on the prime real estate which, has since drawn an array of establishments such as Bubba’s 33 and 7 Brew, a testament to the district's potency.
Locale faithful, like Gabrielle Vasquez a native and Highland High School alum, remember a time when options were sparse. Now employed at one of La Picosa's vibrant eateries, she told San Antonio Report, "There’s so many options. It’s crazy, but I love it." This sentiment resonates with the common thread among South Side residents who've long believed in their community's potential.
Growth has not come without critiques – some residents and business advocates push for more local flavor among the restaurant offerings. The Brooks Development Authority has acknowledged these concerns, with chief strategy officer Connie Gonzalez noting that while many franchises are locally owned, they are working to bring more independent businesses into the fold as part of the upcoming Town Center development. "For years, we've been hearing that we needed more options to eat and drink and entertain the community," Gonzalez told San Antonio Report.
As for the economic impact, the Brooks Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone has seen a valuation spike from below $40 million in 2004 to a staggering $976 million today, with over 6,500 jobs created. This milestone is lauded by Leo Gomez, President, and CEO of the Brooks Development Authority, who proudly observed packed parking lots, a palpable sign of the strategy's triumph.
The region's real estate values, historically more affordable than those in other parts of the city, have begun to reflect the area's newfound prosperity. Yet, as the South Side continues its upward climb, developers like Love are eager for more space to meet the demand for additional dining destinations. Their optimism suggests that in San Antonio's Southeast Side, they are still just scratching the surface of economic opportunity.
