On Thursday, December 14, the San Antonio City Council unanimously approved plans presented by Grupo La Gloria for the redevelopment of Maverick Plaza in La Villita.
Assistant City Manager Lori Houston presented the proposal, which is intended to energize the plaza. Currently, Maverick Plaza is being used for festivals, weddings, and other private events. Under the approved
plan, three restaurants will be constructed:
- A Mexican restaurant operated by Chef Johnny Hernandez,
- A German brewery and restaurant operated by Chef Steve McHugh, and
- A Native Texas/Spanish-Heritage restaurant operated by Chef Elizabeth Johnson.
A programming plan will be developed, which may include cooking demonstrations, mobile vendors, cultural events and markets, and festivals. The City has been working closely with Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA) and other stakeholders to ensure events will continue through the construction and development of the renewed plaza.
The San Antonio Chamber of Commerce was proud to testify at City Council in support of the plan submitted by Grupo La Gloria. Chefs Johnny Hernandez and Elizabeth Johnson were critical parts of San Antonio being designated as a
UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy on October 31. We are the second city in the United States to receive this designation after Tucson, and among the first worldwide to achieve it on our first application. Part of the commitment going forward is to continue presenting what makes San Antonio cuisine and culture unique and to celebrate and sustain it in the future.
The Chamber’s members presented a number of recommendations in 2016 supporting the culinary arts, and it is our goal in 2018 to continue collaborating with individuals and organizations leading toward those efforts.
