5 business updates of note in San Antonio

New commercial developments in San Antonio include the expansion of a North Side business park, a conceptual change of a North Side restaurant, and the opening of the new culinary ventures inside Loop 410.

The owners of Sabor Del Pueblo Mexican Restaurant, 13489 Blanco Road, used their social media channels to say they closed in early August to remodel the eatery and change the business concept to a coffee/bakery shop. A sign posted outside the restaurant notes the intent of the owners, who did not say how long the place would be closed to accommodate the changes.

Bee Nice Cream, an ice creamery, will open its doors Sept. 10 at 8003 Broadway St. north of Alamo Heights. According to a press release, Bee Nice’s staff makes the ice cream by hand in small batches inside the shop using locally sourced products. The release said Bee Nice offers a number of classic and specialty flavors as well as dairy-free options.

Sojourn Trading Co., a new cocktail bar, opened in late August at 244 W. Houston St., on the western edge of downtown San Antonio. According to a news release, craft cocktail veteran Derik Cortez and restaurateur Andrew Carrillo of Armadillo’s Texas Style Burgers have partnered to roll out Sojourn, which features a light bites and a modern tropical theme near the San Pedro Creek Culture Park. The release said Cortez, who began working in the service industry in 2000, sought to create a space where patrons could enjoy a tropical-style retreat in San Antonio’s central business district. Sojourn is located in a space previously occupied by a former craft cocktail lounge, Juniper Tar.

“I saw the hidden gem of a location on West Houston Street as an opportunity to transform the space for downtown professionals, students, visitors and service industry workers into a relaxing oasis with quality service, food and drinks,” Cortez said.

Food menu items include oysters, crudo, ceviche, crispy tuna bites, charcuterie and a slow-roasted Cubano sandwich, the release said, adding the kitchen is open for late night diners to accommodate area visitors and hospitality industry workers who serve them.

La Ruina, a new bar just east of downtown San Antonio, will open to the public at 4 p.m. Sept. 3 at 410 Austin St. Previous co-owners of The Modernist Bar, Gerry Shirley and Olaf Harmel, are behind La Ruina, which provides a tropical atmosphere with a focus on Latin American cocktails made with rum, tequila, mezcal and wine, a news release said.

La Ruina, located inside a preserved 19th century building, will have indoor and outdoor seating and feature a brass chandelier obtained from the recently closed Cadillac Bar in downtown. The release said La Ruina, or "The Ruins," is intended to reflect its distinctive rustic, architectural elements and offer a new, vibrant touch to the downtown area nightlife.

Harmel, a craft cocktail bar veteran, said he and Shirley acknowledge the importance of guests to enjoy a well-crafted cocktail.

"We decided to specialize in the staple drinks because they will always be a part of our tradition. More importantly, we want all of our guests to feel special as we carefully craft their spirit in an intimate and historical space, while adding something new to San Antonio's nightlife,” Harmel said.