Kobalt Investment Company announced that two locally owned restaurants, Thai Bird and Viva Kitchen, are coming to Castle Hills Market in San Antonio, adding fresh energy to the retail center's dining scene. The additions follow the arrival of independent bookseller Book Nerd over the past year, continuing a wave of momentum at the property.
"We're excited about the new energy taking shape at Castle Hills Market," said Ginnie McCorkle, Chief Financial Officer of Kobalt Investment Company. "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."
Thai Bird's new Castle Hills location at 2211 NW Military Highway, Suite 121, will offer dine-in, takeout, delivery, catering and its curated, approachable wine program. "Castle Hills immediately felt like a natural next neighborhood for Thai Bird," said co-owner Kristin Alvarez. "There is such a strong sense of community here. 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. That idea of everyone having a seat at the table is really at the heart of what we do."
Chef and Founder David Gilbert added, "Thai Bird was inspired by my experiences in Thailand and a love for bold flavors and great food. We wanted to create something that brings those flavors together with the comfort of a neighborhood restaurant. Castle Hills gives us the opportunity to introduce Thai Bird to a new community while staying true to what made people connect with us in the first place: really great food, hospitality and a genuine sense of community." The restaurant is known for its bold Thai-inspired flavors, signature Thai Rotisserie Chicken, Jumbo Tenders and a menu made with gluten-free ingredients. It was recognized by San Antonio Magazine as one of its 2026 Best New Restaurants and named Best New Restaurant by CultureMap San Antonio readers in 2024. More information is available at thaibirdrestaurant.com.
Viva Kitchen – Mexican Heritage marks the newest 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.
The dual openings carry implications beyond new dining options. By attracting chef-driven and family-owned concepts with deep local roots, Castle Hills Market strengthens its identity as a community hub rather than a generic retail center. 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. Its strategy of curating independent operators could serve as a model for other Texas retail properties seeking to differentiate through local heritage and tenant authenticity. Details on the firm are available at kobaltinvestco.com.
