Bringing Commerce Back to West Commerce: Jaime’s Place Celebrates Grand Opening
October 16, 2020 - Westside
Tejas Por Vida. Jaime’s Place, a new local bar and pub celebrated their grand opening this past Friday, Oct. 9, 2020. The owner Jaime Macias said the business took nearly a decade to come to fruition. Photo: B. Kay Richter.
By B. Kay Richter - Reporter, San Antonio Sentinel
Jaime’s Place, located at 1514 West Commerce celebrated their grand opening this past Friday, Oct. 9 during a brief ribbon cutting ceremony.
The bar and pub is in the heart of the Westside and has been a dream nearly a decade in the making for owner, Jaime Macias.
“This was a nine year project,” said Macias during an on site interview.
The bar-pub is surrounded by hanging lights, vibrant plants and Chicano art - all which proclaim the true essence of the Westside community. The new business also hosts two large patios and outdoor space which provides ample room for the requirement of social distancing.
Macias pointed to several tables while describing the written numerals on the concrete floor.
“This number signifies these tables are located eight feet apart from each other,” he said. “That’s even more than the current COVID requirement.”
Customers enjoy one of two outdoor patios located at Jaime’s Place. The open-air feel of the new bar and pub offers an alternative to traditional indoor businesses. Photo: B. Kay Richter.
The bar and pub stands as an example of conscientious development according to Westside community members who attended the grand opening. The Master of Ceremonies included Leonard Rodriguez, Chairman of the Board for La Prensa, with remarks from Ramiro Gonzales, CEO of the Westside Development Corporation.
Macias said the Westside Development Corporation proved instrumental in providing support and even financial grants which helped him improve his business.
“This bar is just the beginning of bringing commerce back to West Commerce,” Macias said. “Our community deserves a welcoming place where we can relax, enjoy each other’s company and catch up with one another. I am very grateful to my wife, my kids, and our entire family and all those who have mentored me. Jaime’s Place is here because of my parent’s investment in the Westside. They trusted us to create something meaningful in this space and Jaime’s Place is only the first step in making their dreams come true.”
The pub plans to feature beer, hard seltzers, wine and speciality drinks. In addition, they will also offer a food menu. For more information, please visit https://jaimesplace.pub/.
B. Kay Richter is a San Antonio-based writer and photographer. She has been the Co-Editor of the San Antonio Sentinel since January 2020. Reach her at bkay@sasentinel.com.