Castle Hills Market in San Antonio is set to welcome two locally owned restaurants, Thai Bird and Viva Kitchen, as announced by Kobalt Investment Company. The additions bring fresh energy to the shopping center’s dining scene and continue a wave of momentum that included the arrival of independent bookseller Book Nerd over the past year. For San Antonio diners, the news means more options for authentic, chef-driven cuisine in a growing retail hub. For the center’s owner, it signals a deliberate strategy to cultivate a sense of community through local operators.
“We’re excited about the new energy taking shape at Castle Hills Market,” said Ginnie McCorkle, Chief Financial Officer of Kobalt Investment Company. “Between Book Nerd’s arrival over the past year and now Thai Bird and Viva Kitchen joining us, there’s a real sense of community here. What excites us most is the local heritage these operators bring – they’re exactly the kind of neighborhood businesses we want to see thrive at Castle Hills.” McCorkle’s comments highlight a broader trend in retail real estate: landlords are increasingly prioritizing local, experience-driven tenants to differentiate their properties and foster repeat visitation.
Thai Bird, a chef-driven concept from James Beard Award–nominated Chef and Founder David Gilbert and co-owner Kristin Alvarez, will open at 2211 NW Military Highway, Suite 121. The restaurant will offer dine-in, takeout, delivery, catering and a curated wine program. “Castle Hills immediately felt like a natural next neighborhood for Thai Bird,” Alvarez said. “There is such a strong sense of community here. We want Thai Bird to be the kind of neighborhood place where you can stop in for lunch, bring the family for dinner, grab a bottle of wine on the way home or simply become one of our regulars. That idea of everyone having a seat at the table is really at the heart of what we do.” Gilbert added that the concept was inspired by his experiences in Thailand and a love for bold flavors, aiming to combine those with the comfort of a neighborhood restaurant. Thai Bird has been recognized by San Antonio Magazine as one of its 2026 Best New Restaurants and named Best New Restaurant by CultureMap San Antonio readers in 2024. Its menu features gluten-free ingredients and signature items like Thai Rotisserie Chicken and Jumbo Tenders. More information is available at thaibirdrestaurant.com.
Viva Kitchen – Mexican Heritage represents the newest chapter in a family journey that began in 1994 with Los Hijos de Juan in Mexico, continued in Texas with Takikos in 2017 and a food truck in 2023. Its menu draws on recipes inspired by family and Mexican tradition, guided by values of family, hospitality, authenticity, hard work and respect for heritage. “Every family has recipes worth remembering – these are ours,” said Aldo Schiavon. “Our journey began in 1994 with our family’s first restaurant, and Viva Kitchen is the next chapter. We want it to feel like an extension of the family table – a place where people gather, conversations last a little longer, celebrations are shared and new memories are created.” For Castle Hills Market, adding a family-owned Mexican concept complements Thai Bird’s Asian flavors, creating a diverse culinary destination that can draw visitors from across the region. Details can be found at vivakitchensa.com.
The two openings reflect broader implications for San Antonio’s retail landscape. Kobalt Investment Company, founded in 2022 and based in Dallas, acquires, leases and manages shopping centers across Texas and the southwestern U.S., including The Hill in Dallas and Castle Hills Market. By curating a mix of local, independent businesses, Kobalt aims to create destinations that resonate with surrounding neighborhoods. This approach can drive foot traffic, increase cross-shopping among tenants and build long-term loyalty. For local restaurateurs, the opportunity to join a center with a proven track record of supporting independents offers a lower-risk path to expansion. As more consumers seek unique dining experiences, Castle Hills Market’s emphasis on local heritage could serve as a model for other retail properties. The arrival of Thai Bird and Viva Kitchen not only enriches the city’s culinary fabric but also demonstrates how strategic leasing can foster community and economic vitality. Learn more about the landlord at kobaltinvestco.com.
