San Antonio’s culinary industry provides a heaping economic impact
Writer: Dylan Bruton
March 2024 — As the seventh most populated city in the U.S. and second largest in Texas, San Antonio has developed as a culinary destination due in part to its diverse communities that make up the greater region. And in a state like Texas where restaurants represent 51% of the food dollar, a strong food and beverage sector can help the city and region sustain economic growth.
Restaurants collectively represent 11% of Texas’ total employment as the second largest private sector employer, according to the Texas Restaurant Association. In San Antonio, the restaurants and catering sector made up more than half of the hospitality industry’s economic impact of $19 billion in 2022.
The figure reflects the evolving role that restaurants play in hospitality in Texas, where each $1 spent generates $2.37 for the state’s economy.
Investment and recognition have helped drive San Antonio’s culinary industry as more restaurant choices have arisen across communities in the metropolitan area. Back in 2017, UNESCO named San Antonio a Creative City of Gastronomy, celebrating the influx of traditions and culture from Spain, Mexico, Asia and Africa.
“These stories drive our city. They drive our economy, they drive our businesses,” Chef Nicola Blaque, owner of The Jerk Shack and Freight Chicken, told Fox 11 regarding the growing impact that the sector is having through new job opportunities and increased tourism in the city.
“What’s really unique about San Antonio compared to other cities is that everyone has their own little spin on food,” said Blaque. “You’ll never find the same exact food.”
Last year, more than 536 newly listed restaurants surfaced in San Antonio on business review platform Yelp, a 4% increase from 2019 to 2023, as cited by Axios. By 2030, the Lone Star State is projected to add an additional 288,000 food service jobs.
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