Brooster's Backyard Icehouse Celebrates Grand Opening
November 24, 2020 - South Side San Antonio
The grand opening of Brooster’s Backyard Icehouse hosted a calm yet festive crowd last Friday, Nov. 20. The opening celebrated with free hot dogs, hamburgers, and raspas along with a mariachi performance by Mariachis de la Coronelas. Photo Gallery by B. Kay Richter.
By: B. Kay Richter - Reporter, San Antonio Sentinel
A new restaurant, bar and icehouse kicked off its grand opening within the city's South Side neighborhood.
Brooster's Backyard Icehouse located at 815 Pleasanton Rd. opened this past Friday, Nov. 20. The family and pet-friendly venue not only includes a full bar but also hosts a 6,000 square-foot-outdoor activity space.
The owner, Norman Velez, a 20-year-veteran of the city's restaurant and entertainment industry said he had originally wanted to open a concept within the area. In fact, he began scouting locations a few years ago.
He also noted how the pandemic forced him to commit to the idea of opening the new venue.
“This is going to sound funny and crazy, but this pandemic actually did it,” Velez said during a local interview, referring to his decision to open now instead of waiting out the pandemic. “Me and my business partner said, ‘You know what? Why don’t we go ahead and move on something on the South Side?’ … When the opportunity presented itself, I just jumped on it.”
The venue celebrated the grand opening with free hot dogs, hamburgers, and raspas along with a mariachi performance by Mariachis de la Coronelas.
The Brooster's menu consists of common favorites such as chicken wings, fried pickles, and loaded fries but also includes various San Antonio staples as well, like street tacos and barbacoa.
"It (the Southside) has the most culture, most history, the Missions and the most beautiful family traditions that you'll ever find.” - Norman Velez
A mariachi singer from Mariachis de la Coronelas performs during the grand opening celebration of Brooster’s Backyard Icehouse. Photo: B. Kay Richter
Guests can also enjoy a frosty beverage alongside their pets since the local icehouse plans to offer a non-alcoholic pork brew for pups, Bowser Beer.
According to Velez, he opened the local business to showcase in part what he calls "the heart of San Antonio."
"It (the Southside) has the most culture, most history, the Missions and the most beautiful family traditions that you'll ever find," Velez said in a press release.
For more information, along with a full listing of menu items, please see the icehouse’s Facebook page listed below.
Address: 815 Pleasanton Rd.
Hours: 4 p.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday; 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday; noon to 2 a.m. Saturday; and noon to midnight Sunday.
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.