Local restaurants drive San Antonio’s underrated food scene, but have you ever wondered about the folks who run our favorite restaurants, bars, bakeries and more? While we do our due diligence in spotlighting esteemed chefs that have helped put the Alamo City on the map, this Valentine’s Day we’re giving a shoutout to the couples that hustle together to run beloved dining and drinking spots.

Nacho Aguirre and Susana Mijares Photo via Instagram / delice_sanantonio
While both badass bakers individually, Nacho Aguirre and Susana Mijares are one unstoppable team together. Susana actually taught Nacho a lot of what he knows in the kitchen, which must be a lot since the two have both appeared on baking competitions on the Food Network. Nacho even won in 2018! If you need to rightfully congratulate them on their skills, the couple owns Délice Chocolatier and Patisserie. Photo via Instagram / delice_sanantonio
John and Elise Russ Photo by joshhuskin via Instagram / clementine.sanantonio
Clementine 2195 NW Military Hwy, (210) 503-5121, clementine-sa.com The Russes welcomed their first daughter a few months before opening Clementine. Photo via Instagram / bryanrindfuss Credit: Bryan Rindfuss
Cornelius and Lattoia Massey Photo by Jessica Elizararras
After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America-San Antonio, Lattoia Massey decided to pay tribute to her native Jamaica, and we’re sure glad she did. Along with her husband Cornelius, the Masseys have brought San Antonio its first artisan Caribbean restaurant. Yes, you can thank the Masseys for The Jerk Shack. Photo via Instagram / thejerkshacksatx
Jeremy Mandrell and Anne Ng Photo by joshhuskin via Instagram / bakery_lorraine
After meeting while working together at a bakery in California, the sweet couple worked in various bakeries around San Francisco before deciding to head to the Alamo City. Good thing they did, ‘cause that led to the 2011 opening of Bakery Lorraine at the Pearl. The beloved bakery has since opened additional locations in San Antonio and even one in Austin. Photo via Instagram / bakery_lorraine
PJ and Lindsey Edwards Photo via Instagram / lkm_edwards
After years at Bin 555 under Chef Jason Dady and later serving in various management position under Dady’s Restaurant Group, PJ Edwards returned to the former Bin 555 to open Meadow Neighborhood Eatery and Bar alongside wife Lindsey, who runs the front of the house. Together, the two bring their take on Southern fare with a focus on Texan ingredients. Photo via Instagram / meadow_sa
Akeem and Tara Best Photo via Instagram / govegansa
SA’s vegan scene continues to grow, partially thanks to Akeem and Tara Best. The couple opened Go Vegan San Antonio food truck after they, along with their five children, converted to a vegan lifestyle. Their goal is to make vegan eats more affordable, convenient and accessible to local residents. Photo via Instagram / govegansa Credit: Instagram / govegansa
Jeff and Jenn White Photo via Facebook / Jeff White Credit: Courtesy of Jeff White
From Jeff and Jenn White comes the long-awaited Eastside Kitchenette. Found in the East Side (obviously), this new spot has it all – service for lunch dinner and even late night eats as well as a brunch menu and happy hour specials. Whatever entices you, trust us when we say this spot is more than promising. Photo via Instagram / s.a.foodie
Billy and Frances Lee Photo via Instagram / brewsleetea
College sweethearts Billy and Frances Lee have been sharing their love for teas since the 2017 opening of Brew’s Lee Tea Station. The two spent time in Taiwan, Billy’s native land, to learn everything there is about bubble tea. Researching brewing techniques and talking to tea experts obviously paid off, as the couple’s tea shop is a hit among fans of Asian treats and Instagrammers alike. Photo via Instagram / brewsleetea
Pieter and Susan Sypesteyn Photo via Instagram / whereyatsa
With the success of Where Yat Food Truck came three local favorites: The Cookhouse, NOLA Brunch & Beignets and Bud’s Rotisserie. You can thank Chef Pieter and his wife Susan for such tasty goodness. The couple also hosts fun events like the Mardi Gras block party. Photo via Instagram / the_cookhouse
Jason and Crystal Dady Photo via Instagram / chefjasondady
We all know about the highly-esteemed Chef Jason Dady, but did you know he has a badass lady by his side? While Jason heads the kitchens at Shuck Shack, Tre Trattoria, Range, Two Bros. BBQ Market, B&D Ice House and Alamo BBQ, Crystal covers the business portion of all of the restaurants. The Dadys are definitely a power couple. Photo via Instagram / shuckshacksa
Lucas and Tina Kent Photo by jstella.haus.films via Instagram / the_bread_box
After years in the local food business, Lucas and Tina Kent decided to pursue their own venture – The Bread Box. Since its 2015 opening, the bread-only bakery turned café is all about natural ingredients and Texan flours with the Kents at the helm. Photo via Instagram / the_bread_box
José and Tiffany Cruz Photo via Instagram / senorveggie
Since 2014, José and Tiffany Cruz have let San Antonians enjoy a vegan twist to Tex-Mex fare. With Señor Veggie, locals can enjoy the cuisine we know and love but a completely vegan-friendly menu. There’s also inspiration from other cuisines like Thai, Spanish and Mediterranean, so you can thank this husband-and-wife team for going big with their vegan venture (which actually started out of a farmers market). Photo via Instagram / senorveggie
Damien Watel and Lisa Astorga-Watel Photo via Instagram / lisa_astorga_watel
Though not necessarily a team working out of a joint operation at the moment, Damien Watel and Lisa Astorga-Watel have both made their mark on SA’s culinary scene. Lisa owns the local favorite Bite over in Southtown while Damien has been tied to a number of different ventures. Most recently, he rebranded his long-running Chez Vatel Bistro as Bistro9. Photo via Instagram / biterestaurantsa
Steve and Jody Newman Photo via Instagram / hillsanddalesicehouse
The Friendly Spot 943 S Alamo St, (210) 224-2337, thefriendlyspot.com You say patio and all we hear is “meet me at Friendly Spot.” Photo via Instagram / skylinedronetx Credit: Instagram / skylinedronetx
Bronson Holbrook and Natalie Nazarewicz Photo courtesy of PRESS Coffee Credit: Courtesy
Husband-and-wife team Bronson Holbrook and Natalie Nazarewicz didn’t let a rent spike and subsequent closure stop them from shutting down PRESS Coffee for good. After almost a year, the couple was able to reopen the beloved neighborhood coffee spot in a new location on Broadway. Photo via Instagram / presscoffee_sa