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, Texas. The additions bring fresh energy to the shopping center's dining scene and continue a wave of momentum that included the arrival of independent bookseller Book Nerd over the past year.
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 new location will offer dine-in, takeout, delivery, catering, and a curated wine program. 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 has been 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 represents 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. The restaurant's website is 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.”
Kristin Alvarez, co-owner of Thai Bird, said, “Castle Hills immediately felt like a natural next neighborhood for Thai Bird. 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 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.”
Aldo Schiavon of Viva Kitchen said, “Every family has recipes worth remembering – these are ours. 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.”
The addition of Thai Bird and Viva Kitchen signals continued leasing momentum at Castle Hills Market and reflects broader demand for local, chef-driven and family-owned dining concepts in retail centers. For Kobalt Investment Company, a Dallas-based retail property investment firm founded in 2022 that acquires, leases, and manages shopping centers across Texas and the southwestern U.S., the leases demonstrate how independent operators can drive foot traffic and community engagement. For readers in the business services and commercial real estate sectors, the announcement underscores the strategic value of curating tenant mixes that blend national and local businesses to create a distinctive destination. More about Kobalt Investment Company is available at kobaltinvestco.com.
