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The Rise of Urban Bird in San Antonio
In a flavorful coup, Urban Bird Hot Chicken, a Houston-based chicken tender brand, is spreading its wings and preparing to take flight into San Antonio. Renowned for its Nashville-style hot chicken sandwiches and creative culinary spins, Urban Bird is set to open three locations throughout the city, igniting excitement among local foodies and chicken lovers alike. Two of these hot spots were already announced in July 2024, with the first slated for 22106 U.S. 281 N., Ste. 102 in Stone Oak, scheduled to kick off operations in April 2025. The excitement doesn’t stop there, as a second location will welcome diners in June at 8802 Potranco Rd., Ste. 111, followed by the grand opening of a third venue in August at 17603 La Cantera Pkwy., Ste. 119.
A Look at the Menu: What to Expect
The menu features a blend of hearty classics and innovative offerings tailored to tickle your taste buds. Signature items include the tender basket—a delightful duo of tenders served with bread, a side, pickles, and their famous Bird Sauce for $12.75. The Sando combo presents two crunchy tenders nestled in a toasted bun embraced by kale slaw, Bird Sauce, and pickles, retailing for $15.75. Distinct among their offerings is the Urban Fries, a loaded fries dish topped generously with a fried tender and creamy mac and cheese—a dish so iconic that it transitioned from a limited-time treat to a permanent menu fixture, thrilling fans.
The Gawthorps' Culinary Journey
Founded by the husband-and-wife team Brandon and Chantel Gawthorp in 2020, Urban Bird began its journey in Katy, Texas. The couple has successfully expanded to 14 locations across various Texas cities, including Fulshear, Houston, and Spring. Reflecting on their rapid expansion, Brandon notes the comfort in sourcing second-generation locations, repurposing spaces vacated by previous restaurants. "We’re kind of running out of room in Houston," he shares, demonstrating their commitment to growing while keeping things sustainable.
More Than Just Fried Chicken
Urban Bird isn’t merely focused on chicken; their vision flows into unique side experiences in culinary exploration. Taking advantage of the rising trend in ghost kitchens, Urban Bird also operates Chronic Fries, where they enhance their fries with a variety of toppings reminiscent of street food culture—think mac and cheese or traditional Mexican elote topping fries. This initiative reflects their adaptive strategy post-pandemic, ensuring they remain at the forefront of culinary innovation.
Community Impact and Engagement
Urban Bird’s arrival isn’t just about feeding people; it signifies a renewed vibrancy in San Antonio’s dining scene. The city already boasts an impressive array of cultural and culinary events, from the annual Fiesta San Antonio to lively San Antonio food festivals. By opening new dining spots like Urban Bird, the city continues to cultivate an environment where food lovers can explore diverse flavors.
Exploring San Antonio's Culinary Landscape
San Antonio is not only welcoming Urban Bird; it stands as a hub for exciting culinary experiences, bursting with flavors from every corner of the globe. From late-night dining options to food trucks dotting the city, San Antonio encourages food enthusiasts and casual diners alike to indulge in a culinary adventure. There’s something unique about savoring food that tells a story, reflecting the city's rich cultural heritage. Urban Bird adds a delicious thread to this narrative.
What This Means for Food Lovers
The upcoming openings signify much more than just another dining option; they represent opportunities for community gathering, culinary experimentation, and local economic growth. Those eagerly awaiting these openings can expect more than tasty food; they will experience a lively atmosphere fostering connections among friends and family.
Join the Hype!
For locals and visitors, Urban Bird promises to be a treat not to be missed! Keep an eye on their social media for updates and sneak peeks of the menu items. Whether you’re a long-time aficionado of Nashville-style hot chicken or someone eager to try something new, Urban Bird’s entry into the San Antonio food scene is well worth celebrating. Get ready to dig in!
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