Kobalt Investment Company announced on October 1, 2026, that two locally owned restaurants, Thai Bird and Viva Kitchen, are coming soon to Castle Hills Market in San Antonio. The additions mark the latest phase of a tenant mix strategy that has already brought independent bookseller Book Nerd to the center over the past year. For the surrounding community, the arrivals mean new dining options and a signal that the retail property is actively courting local operators rather than national chains.
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. Its menu features bold Thai-inspired flavors, signature Thai Rotisserie Chicken, Jumbo Tenders, and gluten-free ingredients. Thai Bird was recognized by San Antonio Magazine as one of its 2026 Best New Restaurants and was 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 for a family that began its restaurant journey in 1994 with Los Hijos de Juan in Mexico, later opening Takikos in Texas in 2017 and a food truck in 2023. The menu draws on family recipes 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. “We want it to feel like an extension of the family table.” Details are available at vivakitchensa.com.
Ginnie McCorkle, Chief Financial Officer of Kobalt Investment Company, said the local heritage of the operators is a key draw. “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,” she said. The sentiment underscores a broader trend in retail real estate: landlords are increasingly seeking tenants with strong local identities to differentiate shopping centers and drive repeat foot traffic.
For readers and businesses in San Antonio, the news signals growing opportunities for local restaurateurs and a potential boost to the area’s dining and retail ecosystem. Kobalt Investment Company, founded in 2022, is a Dallas-based retail property investment firm 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. Learn more at kobaltinvestco.com. The addition of Thai Bird and Viva Kitchen suggests Castle Hills Market is positioning itself as a community-focused destination, which could attract further independent operators and increase property value over time.
