Adrian Martinez, the operator behind Smoke BBQ + Skybar, has filed for bankruptcy after years of fast expansion and a growing pile of legal claims. Court filings now list close to $2.7 million in creditor claims, putting the future of the downtown rooftop hangout and its related locations on shaky ground.
Bankruptcy filing and case details
The business filed a Chapter 7 petition in the Western District of Texas in November 2025 under the name Smoke BBQ +Skybar 78202 LLC. Docket summaries list the case as number 25-52819 and show that schedules have been submitted and a trustee appointed to manage the estate. Bankruptcy Observer has reviewed the court docket and associated documents.
Creditors, unpaid rent and investor suits
According to MySA, Martinez's bankruptcy schedules show nearly $2.7 million in liabilities, while stating that the company's total assets are $50,000 or less. The records cited by the outlet say the business reported $0 in revenue for 2025 and list claims that include about $883,000 allegedly owed to Jacob Solis, more than $300,000 in unpaid rent and damages asserted by East Houston Partnership, and investor lawsuits seeking upwards of $600,000.
Downtown venue's recent troubles
Smoke's East Houston Street rooftop venue has been under strain since a deadly stray-bullet incident in July 2024, after which management said it would scale back, end concerts and rework security and layout plans. San Antonio Current reported on the shooting and the venue's response. At the same time, the business's own website continued to promote the 1100 E. Houston St. address and event bookings into late 2025. Smoke Skybar's listings show the downtown location as recently active even as the bankruptcy case moved ahead.
What the Chapter 7 filing means
A Chapter 7 filing generally triggers an automatic stay that halts most collection efforts while a court-appointed trustee identifies and, where possible, sells non-exempt assets to pay creditors. The trustee's role in Chapter 7 is to administer the bankruptcy estate and distribute any proceeds to creditors according to the Bankruptcy Code. U.S. Courts outlines these protections and duties in its Chapter 7 overview.
Next steps and local impact
Docket summaries show that the trustee has already moved to inventory assets and requested court approval to hire an auctioneer to sell a company van as part of the liquidation process. The case calendar also sets a deadline for creditors to submit proofs of claim. BKAlerts lists recent motions in the case, the scheduled meeting of creditors and the bar date for filing claims. For downtown customers and event planners, the bankruptcy leaves upcoming bookings, lease arrangements and the long-term future of the rooftop venue in limbo.
