Weekly wrap: Airport strikes a deal for transatlantic flights
From Wembymania’s impact on the Alamo City economy to the sale of two iconic businesses and beyond (all the way across the Atlantic in one case), San Antonio Business Journal reporters covered a wide spectrum of topics this past week. So, let’s dive in and discover what’s happening in San Antonio.
Taking flight
Senior reporter Scott Bailey broke the news earlier this week that the city and San Antonio International Airport struck a deal with Frankfurt-based Condor airline that will launch new nonstop flights to Germany. This is a major win for the airport, and Mayor Ron Nirenberg and airport officials delight in the success while still seeking future expansion.
As the NBA season is about to kick off and as the city is celebrating the Spurs’ first round draft pick addition Victor Wembanyama, restaurants are naming dishes after the 7-foot-plus superstar, bars are toasting him with commemorative drinks and he is being memorialized in a huge mural and other works of art. Read more about Wembymania and its affects on the city here.
Off the rack
The 62 acres that once served as Rackspace HQ could soon see one or more industrial operators working in the space the company left behind in Windcrest. That city’s mayor confirmed to commercial real estate reporter James McCandless that the property is under contract for purchase by an Ohio real estate developer that specializes in converting malls to industrial use, though retail option are still on the table – just a lot less likely. Read more here.
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Brand-building builders
In two separate articles, residential real estate and finance reporter Ramzi Abou Ghalioum spoke to two developers about their experiences in the industry.
In his article, “From construction kingpin to land developer,” he speaks with Mike Yantis about his company, Yantis Land, and about he is – quite literally – building his legacy. Abou Ghalioum also talked to Yantis about his time at the helm of Yantis Co., the company founded by his grandfather John Yantis, and what made the younger Yantis branch out on his own.
Abou Ghalioum later spoke to Southstar CEO Thad Rutherford about his company’s plan to consolidate its branding. Southstar Communities, Southstar Development Partners and Southstar Realty will drop their different designations and now simply be called Southstar. Rutherford explains the move and shares insight on its potential benefits.
Shooting star
Tech and inno reporter Zoe Gottlieb got to speak with Silotech CEO Tiffany Tremont about her company’s upward trajectory and plans for the future. Silotech recently made its first acquisition, and plans are in place to double the size of its local research lab’s footprint and the number of staff the company employs.
Philanthropic philosophers
Assistant managing editor Jannette Zorrilla shared a story revealing three Nonprofit & Corporate Philanthropy Award winners for the Business Journal’s 2023 event, coming up on Nov. 16 during a celebration at Morgan’s Wonderland. Find out here who won and how to get your table for this year’s awards presentation.
Weekend wind-down
Looking for somewhere to dine this weekend? The Alamo City is a culinary paradise. Check out data reporter Jalen Lopez’s weekly Restaurant Roundup to learn about the latest developments in the industry, and find out what’s on the menu that may thrill adventurous eaters or please refined palates.
Lopez also wrote about the sale of a San Antonio staple: Jefferson Bodega. Read more about the transaction here.
