At a news conference earlier this week, Governor Greg Abbott said he was letting the state’s stay-at-home order expire on April 30 at 11:59 p.m. and paved the way for the opening of stores, restaurants, movie theaters and malls on May 1. The only proviso is that these businesses can only operate at 25 percent capacity.
Most LGBTQ community-owned restaurants in San Antonio have been offering their customers curbside service and meal delivery but have struggled financially to keep their doors open.
With the governor’s announcement, some of these businesses are reopening under the 25 percent rule, others are not. Some will continue to only offer curbside and delivery service, and at least one has decided to close for a while.
Following is a rundown of some local community restaurants and what they plan to do as of May 1.
Candlelight Coffeehouse, Wine Bar and Cafe
3011 N Saint Marys St., (210) 738-0099
The Candlelight Coffee House has remained open and has vigorously marketed their curbside and delivery options.
Candlelight also worked with Neighbors Helping Neighbors to deliver brunch to the Fairweather Lodge which serves adults in mental health recovery and the Fairweather Family Lodge which serves mothers and children with housing and support services.
In a recent message to Out In SA Candlelight verified they will re-open under the 25 percent rule.
Deco Pizzaria
1815 Fredericksburg Rd, (210) 732-3326 & 1815 Fredericksburg Rd, (210) 996-3326
Deco Pizzaria has remained open for curbside and delivery. On April 7, with funding by Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Deco delivered 85 lunches to healthcare workers at University Hospital.
A recent post on Deco Pizzaria’s Facebook page explains their plans going forward.
“We’re happy to announce that we’ll be re-opening our patio seating to 25% capacity this Friday! . . . While we’re thrilled to see your smiling faces, we do not take this opportunity lightly and will continue to take the health and safety of our guests and team very seriously. Our team will continue to take precautions with masks, increased sanitation, and single use disposable menus. If you’re not quite ready to venture out yet, that’s okay too! All of your favorites are still available for curbside takeout and delivery.”
La Botanica Vegetarian Restaurant
2911 N Saint Marys St., (210) 716-0702
On April 29, La Botanica posted the following statement on their website that reads in part:
“Since COVID-19 made its way to Texas and governments enacted stay at home orders and special laws for business, we haven’t closed our doors. We took special care and extra precautions to keep our staff and customers safe.
On Monday, April 27, 2020, Governor Abbott decided to initiate the reopening of Texas starting May 1st. We don’t agree with this decision and believe he is actually unconcerned with the health and well being of the majority of the citizens and folks who currently reside in Texas.”
We understand the current political climate, and given the direct ties between Governor Abbott and Donald Trump, we cannot trust the governor’s judgment at this time. Because of this, we have come to the difficult decision to halt our service temporarily. We feel that at this time, we should take a two-week break to allow our staff to rest and do our part to help lessen the curve. Our team will continue to be paid throughout this time. . . . We hope that y’all remain safe and vigilant out there, and we will see y’all soon again.”
La Botanica is asking its patrons to consider making donations at their Cash App or Paypal accounts or consider purchasing a virtual gift card. Use this link to read the whole statement and for links to donation sites.
Luther’s Cafe (Courtesy photo)
Luther’s Cafe
1503 N Main Ave, (210) 223-7727
Luther’s Cafe has been open offering curbside service to their clientele. In late March, in conjunction with, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Luther’s cooked up scores of meals for clients of Family Prevention Services.
However, business has been slow considering that all the clubs and businesses on the Main Avenue Strip have been shuttered. On April 30, Scott Lee Ross, marketing director for Luther’s, told Out In SA that the restaurant will reopen under the 25 percent capacity rule.
Pup’s Pizza Place (inside Knockout Sports Bar)
1420 N Main Ave., 210-227-7678
Pup Pizza Place will remain open to serve takeout guests daily. Pizza by the slice and full pizzas may be picked up from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Drop by or call to place your order.
WD Deli (Photo: Sam Sanchez)
W.D. Deli
3123 Broadway St., (210) 828-2322
W.D. Deli has been closed since March 21. “We will reopen when everything calms down and everyone is safe. Better days are ahead,” proprietor Wayne D. Beers wrote in a Facebook post at the time.
Before it closed, W.D. Deli, working with Neighbors Helping Neighbors, delivered 120 box lunches to SAMMinistries for distribution to homeless families.
During it’s closure, the deli has been undergoing a minor facelift with a new coat of paint, installation of a new floor, repainted metal outdoor furniture and a bit of landscaping among other improvements.
The good news is that W.D. Deli will reopen on May 5 for curbside and delivery only. Beers told Out In SA, “We are going to go slow with the 25 percent rule.
