Castle Hills Market in San Antonio is set to welcome two new locally owned restaurants, Thai Bird and Viva Kitchen, according to an announcement from Kobalt Investment Company. The additions bring fresh energy to the retail center's dining offerings and continue a wave of momentum that has seen independent bookseller Book Nerd join the property over the past year.
"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."
Thai Bird, a chef-driven concept from James Beard Award–nominated Chef and Founder David Gilbert and co-owner Kristin Alvarez, will open its new Castle Hills location 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."
Chef Gilbert added, "Thai Bird was inspired by my experiences in Thailand and a love for bold flavors and great food. We wanted to create something that brings those flavors together with the comfort of a neighborhood restaurant. Castle Hills gives us the opportunity to introduce Thai Bird to a new community while staying true to what made people connect with us in the first place: really great food, hospitality and a genuine sense of community." Thai Bird is known for its bold Thai-inspired flavors, signature Thai Rotisserie Chicken, Jumbo Tenders and a menu made with gluten-free ingredients. It was 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. 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." The restaurant's website is vivakitchensa.com.
The openings are part of a broader strategy by Kobalt Investment Company, a Dallas-based retail property investment firm founded in 2022 that acquires, leases and manages shopping centers across Texas and the southwestern U.S., including The Hill in Dallas and Castle Hills Market in San Antonio. More about the company can be found at kobaltinvestco.com.
For readers, the arrival of these two restaurants means more dining options that emphasize local ownership and community connection. For the retail industry, it highlights how landlords are leveraging independent, chef-driven concepts to differentiate shopping centers and drive foot traffic. The continued investment in Castle Hills Market suggests confidence in San Antonio's retail and dining sector, potentially spurring further local business growth.
