Kobalt Investment Company has announced that two locally owned restaurants, Thai Bird and Viva Kitchen, are coming soon to Castle Hills Market in San Antonio. The additions bring fresh energy to the shopping center's dining lineup and underscore a broader strategy of attracting independent, community-focused operators to the property.
The move matters because it reflects how retail centers are evolving beyond national chains to embrace local flavor and heritage. Castle Hills Market previously welcomed independent bookseller Book Nerd over the past year, and the arrival of two distinct restaurant concepts suggests the center is becoming a destination for neighborhood businesses that prioritize authenticity and connection.
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. "Castle Hills immediately felt like a natural next neighborhood for Thai Bird," Alvarez said. "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." Gilbert added that the concept was inspired by his experiences in Thailand and a love for bold flavors, aiming to bring those together 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 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." Learn more at vivakitchensa.com.
Ginnie McCorkle, Chief Financial Officer of Kobalt Investment Company, said, "We're excited about the new energy taking shape at Castle Hills Market. 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."
The implications extend beyond a single shopping center. By curating a mix of local restaurants and retailers, Kobalt is positioning Castle Hills Market as a community hub that can drive foot traffic and loyalty in an increasingly competitive retail landscape. For San Antonio diners, the arrivals mean more diverse, chef-driven and family-owned dining options in a familiar neighborhood setting. For the restaurateurs, the center offers a platform to grow while staying true to their roots. 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. More details are available at kobaltinvestco.com.
