Sometimes TV taps into a timeless element, which explains why shows like I Love Lucy, Seinfeld and The Office can run for decades in syndication. More often than not, though, the medium doesn’t age well — especially its commercials.
Which is why we curated these ’80s- and ’90s-era San Antonio ad spots that are likely to make you feel a little old while bringing on a mixture of laughs and groans. Some of the businesses are long gone, but others are still with us. Thankfully, the ones still in operation have largely updated their approach to TV advertising.
My Econo $39.95 Optical
The My Econo $39.95 Optical chain still exists, but its commercials just aren’t the same without flamboyant owner-pitchman Mike Yuchnitz who appeared in spots with his trademark mullet and pimpish attire.
Screenshot via YouTube / Ben KubanyView this post on Instagram A post shared by San Antonio, TX | GABBY (@siempre_sanantonio)
@siempre_sanantonio
@siempre_sanantonio showcases everything SA has to offer, from art galleries to tasty restaurants to fun on the River Walk.San Antonio Spurs
Back before the modern era in Spurs basketball, the team wasn’t all that. They even put out a commercial to get people to buy season tickets. This 1986 commercial stars Mayor Henry Cisneros (pictured, in case it wasn’t obvious) and Archbishop Patrick Flores.
Screenshot via YouTube / sptwebView this post on Instagram A post shared by Amanda | San Antonio, Texas (@s.a.foodie)
@s.a.foodie
@s.a.foodie has won Best Instagram Influencer in the Current’s Best of San Antonio reader poll multiple times, and the proof is in the pudding.H-E-B
H-E-B has won copious praise for its witty commercials featuring the San Antonio Spurs. However, this 1984 ad featuring an over-the-top jingle and poofy-haired employees skipping and dancing down the aisles shows just how far the chain’s marketing efforts have come.
Screenshot via YouTube / SanAntonioNews78View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rob The Original (@robtheoriginal)
@robtheoriginal
This local barber has made a name for himself by creating faces and scenes on the backs of peoples’ heads. Yeah, in their hair. Just go look.Cavender Toyota
This 1995 spot offers a great look at what Toyota models looked like nearly three decades ago — and how young Rick Cavender looked at the time.
Screenshot via YouTube / SanAntonioNews78View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ada Vox (@adavox)
@adavox
San Antonio loves drag queen singer @adavox, and even voted her the Best Instagram Influencer in the Current’s 2022 Best of San Antonio poll.Ingram Park Mall
Ingram Park Mall opened in 1979 with four major department store chains as anchor tenants. This 1980 TV spot advertises its “Carousel of Fall Fashion.”
Screenshot via YouTube / SanAntonioNews78View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ada Vox (@adavox)
@adavox
San Antonio loves drag queen singer @adavox, and even voted her the Best Instagram Influencer in the Current’s 2022 Best of San Antonio poll.San Antonio Light
Back when San Antonio had two daily newspapers, the Light ran commercials with a catchy jingle. But whose idea was it to include columnists singing it off-key?
Screenshot via YouTube / sptwebView this post on Instagram A post shared by SATX-RATED | San Antonio (@satxrated)
@satxrated
Follow @satxrated for fun things to do in SA and get inspired to check bucket list boxes you didn’t even know existed via this super-active, always enviable feed.Golden Wok
Though they’ve since changed locations, Golden Wok had been serving up delicious Chinese food from two San Antonio locations since the ‘80s. This 1984 TV spot shows a family that each wants something different, but can find it all at Golden Wok – and for an affordable price.
Screenshot via YouTube / SanAntonioNews78View this post on Instagram A post shared by SA Street Art Initiative (@sanantoniostreetart)
@sanantoniostreetart
This artist-led non-profit aims to build the “Largest Outdoor Gallery In Texas” while advocating for more local street art and murals. Peep the feed to follow along as they move through that journey.Highland Furniture
Who didn’t enjoy Highland Furniture’s exciteable pitchman, who was prone to swinging his arms and shouting at the camera in his distinctive nasally twang.
Screenshot via YouTube / SanAntonioNews78View this post on Instagram A post shared by @topknotlatina
@topknotlatina
In a fashion rut? @topknotlatina’s low-cost clothing round-ups are sure to inspire.VIA
“It’s so easy!! When you take the bus!! VIA, VIA! VIA, VIA!” This cheesy jingle was probably stuck in your head in the late ‘70s or early ‘80s.
Screenshot via YouTube / satransitmanView this post on Instagram A post shared by San Antonio ✨ꜰᴏᴏᴅ/ᴛʀᴀᴠᴇʟ/ʟɪꜰᴇ sᴛʏʟᴇ ⒿⒺⓃⓂ︎ⓄⓃⓈⒺ (@jenmonserrat)
@jenmonserrat
Whether it’s restaurants, shopping or event sports, @jenmonserrat has got you covered.Luby’s Cafeteria
This mid-’90s commerical marked the first time the San Antonio-based Luby’s chain advertised on TV. The iconic business has since suffered plenty of setbacks not even a sizable ad budget could remedy.
Screenshot via YouTube / SanAntonioNews78View this post on Instagram A post shared by David Elder | Texas Foodie (@eldereats)
@eldereats
@eldereats may be the competition, but we gotta give credit where it’s due. The host of KSAT’s Texas Eats regularly posts scrumptious pics to Instagram with accompanying deets on how to grab yourself the same meal.Paragon Cable
Before Spectrum, even before Time Warner, San Antonians had another cable company to complain about. Time Warner snapped up the operation in 1995 as part of a merger deal.
Screenshot via YouTube / sptwebView this post on Instagram A post shared by San Antonio, TX | GABBY (@siempre_sanantonio)
@siempre_sanantonio
@siempre_sanantonio showcases everything SA has to offer, from art galleries to tasty restaurants to fun on the River Walk.Handy Andy used to be your go-to grocer.
RIP Handy Andy. At least we still got La Fiesta.
Screenshot via YouTube / SanAntonioNews78View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amanda | San Antonio, Texas (@s.a.foodie)
@s.a.foodie
@s.a.foodie has won Best Instagram Influencer in the Current’s Best of San Antonio reader poll multiple times, and the proof is in the pudding.KONO-FM
The long-running “classic hits” station KONO has revamped its format a few times over the years, but mustache and clothing in this spot define it as totally ’80s.
Screenshot via YouTube / sptwebView this post on Instagram A post shared by Rob The Original (@robtheoriginal)
@robtheoriginal
This local barber has made a name for himself by creating faces and scenes on the backs of peoples’ heads. Yeah, in their hair. Just go look.H-E-B Video Central
And since we’re on the subject of H-E-B, who else remembers Video Central? Back when video stores were all the rage, our favorite supermarket had its own in-house video store. The chain added video into the mix in 1987 but sold Video Central to Hollywood Video in 1993. This 1991 TV spot promotes a Disneyland promotion that also gave away movies, video games and VCRs.
Screenshot via YouTube / sptwebView this post on Instagram A post shared by SA Street Art Initiative (@sanantoniostreetart)
@sanantoniostreetart
This artist-led non-profit aims to build the “Largest Outdoor Gallery In Texas” while advocating for more local street art and murals. Peep the feed to follow along as they move through that journey.Old San Francisco Steak House
This decades-old restaurant is still around. Since its 1968 inception, it’s been known as much for its retro décor and women on swings as its steaks.
Screenshot via YouTube / Bygone BuffaloView this post on Instagram A post shared by @topknotlatina
@topknotlatina
In a fashion rut? @topknotlatina’s low-cost clothing round-ups are sure to inspire.NBC National Bank
Remember when ATM machines were new and exotic? Well, then you’re old enough to remember San Antonio’s NBC National Bank.
Screenshot via YouTube / SanAntonioNews78View this post on Instagram A post shared by SATX-RATED | San Antonio (@satxrated)
@satxrated
Follow @satxrated for fun things to do in SA and get inspired to check bucket list boxes you didn’t even know existed via this super-active, always enviable feed.Taco Cabana
Everyone’s backup taco spot has been rolling out TV spots for years. This 1995 commercials markets quesadillas as “Mexican pizza pies.” Wow…
Screenshot via YouTube / GrowinupinSincity81View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rob The Original (@robtheoriginal)
@robtheoriginal
This local barber has made a name for himself by creating faces and scenes on the backs of peoples’ heads. Yeah, in their hair. Just go look.Fiesta Texas
This odd country-Mexican mix-up spot promotes Fiesta Texas back when it opened in 1992. And no, that’s not a typo. It was a few years before Six Flags bought the park.
Screenshot via YouTube / Amusement SourceView this post on Instagram A post shared by Twenty Something SA 🌞 (@twentysomethingsa)
@twentysomethingsa
@twentysomethingsa’s feed might make you feel intense FOMO — or inspire you to get out and have some puro San Antonio fun for yourself.Blue Bell Ice Cream
Long before the days of listeria, Blue Bell had cheesy commercials like these. Who could forget that jingle?
Screenshot via YouTube / VCRchivistView this post on Instagram A post shared by ALEX🍴 SAN ANTONIO TX (@sanantoniomunchies)
@sanantoniomunchies
When a local influencer promises giveaways, chisme and fun shit right in their bio, you kind of have to click follow. @sanantoniomunchies delivers on all of that and more.Pizza Inn
Imagine hitting up a pizza and salad buffet for just $3! How times have changed.
Screenshot via YouTube / sptwebView this post on Instagram A post shared by Waffles (@waffles_the_wonder_dog)
@waffles_the_wonder_dog
Scruffy and adorable, @waffles_the_wonder_dog will brighten up your feed with his canine charm.Weiner’s Stores
The Houston-based retail chain with the funny name had outlets all over San Antonio until a Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2001 forced it to close the eight it had remaining in the Alamo City.
Screenshot via YouTube / SanAntonioNews78View this post on Instagram A post shared by isabella sosa (@cowgirlsosa)
@cowgirlsosa
Remember that viral mask enforcement TikTok from 2020? Well, @cowgirlsosa reps the 2-1-0 and regularly posts to the ‘gram, too.Windsor Park Mall
It’s where all the cool kids went. That is, until it closed in 2005. The space has since been taken over by Rackspace.
Screenshot via YouTube / SanAntonioNews78View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ada Vox (@adavox)
@adavox
San Antonio loves drag queen singer @adavox, and even voted her the Best Instagram Influencer in the Current’s 2022 Best of San Antonio poll.Peter Piper Pizza
Not to be confused with Pistol Pete’s Pizza (which we looked hard for – no SA specific ones), Peter Piper arrived on the scene in 1986 and has been serving up low-cost pizza ever since. The chain has since gained the reputation for having your kid’s birthday parties.
Screenshot via YouTube / sptwebView this post on Instagram A post shared by Westley | 📍San Antonio, TEXAS (@explore_with_westley)
@explore_with_westley
You can get your travel inspo fix from @explore_with_westley.Quik Wok
Chinese restaurants tend to have a long-standing presence in San Antonio. This 1986 commercial for Quik Wok proves just that. Three San Antonio locations are still open today.
Screenshot via YouTube / sptwebView this post on Instagram A post shared by STEPHANIE (@sanantoniostephanie)
@sanantoniostephanie
According to her bio, @sanantoniostephanie is here to share “happy stuff, fun and realness.”Ancira
We’d love to know how many people who saw this 1995 commercial were convinced to drop thousands of dollars on a car because Ernesto Ancira dangled the perk of a $50 restaurant gift certificate.
Screenshot via YouTube / SanAntonioNews78View this post on Instagram A post shared by GoFro San Antonio (@gofrosanantonio)
@gofrosanantonio
This local influencer is known for his hair just as much as his content, but he works it. Follow the ‘fro for giveaways and food and nightlife news.Pepsi / Sea World
When the Sea World of Texas opened in 1988, the park partnered with Pepsi to promote the grand opening.
Screenshot via YouTube / Brian ZView this post on Instagram A post shared by Sgt. Suds – Beer Reviews (@sargentsuds)
@sargentsuds
Not sure what brews to grab at H-E-B? Check out @sargentsuds’ beer reviews for inspiration.Texas Lottery
In 1993, the Texas Lottery used a catchy Western swing jingle to announce the state’s first scratch-off ticket game.
Screenshot via YouTube / SanAntonioNews78View this post on Instagram A post shared by San Antonio, TX | GABBY (@siempre_sanantonio)
@siempre_sanantonio
@siempre_sanantonio showcases everything SA has to offer, from art galleries to tasty restaurants to fun on the River Walk.Discovery Zone
South Park Mall was the place to be back in the ‘90s. Discovery Zone – the place where “kids want to be” – had locations all over the country, but one right here on the South Side. The chain shut down in 1999.
Screenshot via YouTube / Tyler SorensenView this post on Instagram A post shared by hi im jonabelle ( jon-uh-bel ) (@tijonabelle)
@tijonabelle
@tijonabelle is more than just a social media personality — she’s also the entrepreneur behind Beauty Haus, Vice Coffee and Bling Ting.Highlands Superstore
This 1985 ad for appliance retailer Highlands Superstore featured higher production values and better writing than many local spots of its day. The laughs in vintage TV ads aren’t always intentional, after all.
Screenshot via YouTube / SanAntonioNews78View this post on Instagram A post shared by Masked Foodie of San Antonio (@salunchador)
@salunchador
“Masked Foodie of San Antonio” @salunchador brings extra flair to Instagram food-posting by donning a lucha libre mask.Du West Foundation Repair
Nothing helps sell a foundation repair quite like a catchy jingle. At least people seemed to think so back in 1995.
Screenshot via YouTube / SanAntonioNews78View this post on Instagram A post shared by MISS KENDOLL 💕 (@themisskendoll) @misskendoll
Drag queen @misskendoll is werking it all around San Antonio.
