Max and Louie's Cibolo Expansion Expected to Open in April; Esencia Debuts in San Antonio

As of March 17, 2026, 10:00 AM, Max and Louie's Cibolo is preparing to join the local dining scene with a new, larger restaurant expected to open in April, while a separate new concept, Esencia, has launched inside a landmark downtown hotel in San Antonio.

Max and Louie's, a New York–style diner known for build-to-order menu items and its oversized burger-fries-shake combination, is listed at 18124 I-35 N in Cibolo for its incoming location. The Cibolo site is advertised as under construction and described as larger than the brand’s San Antonio restaurant; the chain emphasizes customizable orders and a broad menu selection.

Esencia occupies space at 300 E Travis St within the historic St. Anthony Hotel and offers New American cuisine with Mexican-Asian influences. The restaurant is led by chef Leo Davila, a James Beard–nominated chef, and highlights dishes that draw on his Mexican and Chinese background. The venue features a renovated interior intended for intimate dining and date-night visits.

The openings and profiles were featured on the regional food program Texas Eats NOW, which airs on KSAT 12, KSAT.com and the KSAT Plus streaming app; episodes run weekday mornings and weekend late-morning slots. The show also promotes previews, giveaways and additional coverage on its social channels for viewers seeking more information.