The cherished Barn Door Restaurant and Meat Market, a staple in San Antonio since 1953, is set for demolition next month. The property, located in Alamo Heights, will soon host Soluna, a well-loved Mexican restaurant. This change marks the end of an era for the Barn Door, which closed its doors on Mother’s Day after 72 years of serving the community.

New Beginnings for Soluna

Gerardo Calvillo, general manager of Mamita’s Cuisine, Inc., which owns Soluna, announced plans to construct a new two-story restaurant on the 1.6-acre lot. The new establishment will feature a rooftop bar, a main dining room, and two patios. The Calvillo brothers, Gerardo and Jesse, aim to open the new Soluna location in time for Fiesta 2028.

The Barn Door property, valued at $1.9 million, was previously owned by the Strauss family. The decision to relocate Soluna stems from the need for more parking and space to accommodate its growing clientele. The current Soluna location, less than a mile away, has two years remaining on its lease.

A Legacy of Memories

Randy Stokes, the former owner of the Barn Door, was unavailable for comment. However, a heartfelt social media post from April 27 expressed gratitude to the community for decades of support. The Barn Door was more than just a restaurant; it was a place where significant business deals, like the 1984 Sea World land sale, were made.

The Calvillo family has deep roots in San Antonio’s culinary scene. Their parents, Jesse and Carmen Calvillo, founded La Fogata Mexican Restaurant in 1979, introducing the famous chispa cocktail. After selling La Fogata, the family opened El Mirasol and Soluna, continuing their legacy of Mexican cuisine in the city.

Reflecting on the transition, Gerardo Calvillo shared personal memories of dining at the Barn Door and working at Soluna, where he met his wife. While the move is bittersweet, the Calvillos are excited to bring new life to a historic location.

Original reporting: San Antonio Report — read the source article.