Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Stinson Municipal Airport (KSSF), San Antonio, Texas: Lone Restaurant At Stinson Closing

The lone restaurant at Stinson Airport is shutting its doors.

It opened just one year ago with the goal of making Stinson a destination airport for business travel.

Now, the restaurant's owner announced he's relocating to Pica Pica Plaza.

Bernard McGraw will open his new location on Fat Tuesday for Mardi Gras.

He says Stinson was a great location, but he didn't have control over his pricing and hours which cost him thousands of dollars.

"It really came down to the numbers," said McGraw.

He fell behind on his state taxes and rent.

When the state came in, the Katrina evacuee decided it was best for his Creole kitchen to move.

"We needed to have more control of our daily operation and be able to make decisions in real time versus getting approval and waiting for things to come through," he said.

This is the 2nd restaurant in recent years to close it's doors at the airport that's trying to expand.

Last year, we reported the city spent close to $10 million dollars developing the property, expanding the runway and terminals to handle more traffic.

However, Mcgraw says the city didn't do enough to promote San Antonio's smaller, lesser known airport.

"If you go down Loop 410 and Southwest Military, there's no signage, there's nothing that says Stinson is back here," said Mcgraw.

"I was pretty disappointed when I heard his kitchen was closed," said Rebecca Viagran, District 3 City Council.

Viagran says Stinson is in her district and something she's making a priority.

"I've asked the city manager to take a look at the contract that is there with whatever restaurant goes into that take a look at it to see what we can do better," she said.

"We wish Stinson the best, that's why I've been in talks with the council-member giving my story about my experience here, what can the city do to make it work for the next vendor that comes in," said McGraw.     

The city says it does want to bring another restaurant in and they are taking proposals.

Meanwhile, Bernard's will host its grand opening at Pica Pica at 11 a.m. next Tuesday.


Source:   http://www.foxsanantonio.com

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