Castle Hills Market Adds Thai Bird and Viva Kitchen, Boosting San Antonio's Local Dining and Retail Momentum

Castle Hills Market in San Antonio is adding two locally owned restaurants, Thai Bird and Viva Kitchen, according to an announcement from Kobalt Investment Company. The additions bring fresh dining options to the retail center at 2211 NW Military Highway and extend a run of leasing momentum that recently included independent bookseller Book Nerd. For Texas businesses, the move underscores how experienced operators and family-run concepts are helping reposition neighborhood shopping centers as community hubs rather than purely transactional retail spaces.

Thai Bird, a chef-driven concept from James Beard Award–nominated Chef and Founder David Gilbert and co-owner Kristin Alvarez, will occupy Suite 121. The restaurant plans to 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.” Gilbert added that the concept was inspired by his experiences in Thailand and a desire to combine bold flavors 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 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 latest chapter for a family that began with Los Hijos de Juan in Mexico in 1994, continued with Takikos in Texas in 2017 and a food truck in 2023. Its 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. “Our journey began in 1994 with our family’s first restaurant, and Viva Kitchen is the next chapter.” The restaurant is detailed at vivakitchensa.com.

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. “We’re excited about the new energy taking shape at Castle Hills Market,” said Ginnie McCorkle, Chief Financial Officer of Kobalt Investment Company. “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.” The company’s portfolio approach is outlined at kobaltinvestco.com/.

The implications reach beyond a single shopping center. Independent restaurants often serve as anchors that increase foot traffic and extend dwell time, which can support neighboring tenants and strengthen local employment. By adding concepts with distinct identities—Thai Bird’s chef-driven menu and Viva Kitchen’s multigenerational family recipes—Castle Hills Market may deepen its appeal to San Antonio residents seeking authentic, locally rooted dining. For Texas retail property owners, the announcement also signals that demand remains for well-located neighborhood centers that can attract operators with a proven following. As more consumers prioritize local experiences, projects that blend independent retail and dining could see stronger tenant interest and community support, making Castle Hills Market a small but telling example of how Texas retail is evolving.