Owner of San Antonio bar Moses Rose’s says negotiations with state officials for its sale have failed

City council’s vote to invoke eminent domain to force the sale of downtown bar Moses Rose’s Hideout doesn’t appear to have hastened a deal.

The owner of the Houston Street business, which lies in the footprint of the planned $150 million Alamo Visitor Center and Museum, told KSAT that Wednesday’s negotiations with state officials for the sale of his property were “unsuccessful.”

“All I can say is we will continue to fight. My family will continue to fight,” owner Vince Cantu told the TV station during a press conference. “We will continue to fight for fairness and respect.”

Cantu has held out for what he’s described as a $17 million “happy price” for the property. In previous statements, he’s said state and city officials haven’t made an earnest attempt to negotiate.

However, city, state and Alamo Trust officials have called Cantu’s asking price unrealistic. Their last offer prior to Wednesday’s talks was for $3.5 million — a number based on an appraisal valuing the property at $2.8 million in 10 years.

Following council’s Jan. 26 vote, San Antonio can use the power of eminent domain to condemn Moses Rose’s and force a sale. In that case, Cantu would still receive a substantial sum, but it’s unclear how soon city officials are prepared to take that step.

Stay tuned.

Coming soon: SA Current Daily newsletter. We’ll send you a handful of interesting San Antonio stories every morning. Subscribe now to not miss a thing.

Follow us: Google News | NewsBreak | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Related Stories

Negotiations between San Antonio officials and Moses Rose’s bar owner to begin Wednesday

On Tuesday, LULAC and Moses Rose’s owner Vince Cantu appeared outside City Hall to call for a delay in negotiations.

Supporters of Moses Rose’s Hideout rally against op-ed by San Antonio Report’s Bob Rivard

The editorial prompted angry online posts, including one calling Rivard ‘the new face of “Karen” for San Antonio.’

San Antonio Council OKs eminent domain takeover of Moses Rose’s to make way for Alamo center

The owner has held out for a higher price, saying officials behind the project never entered into serious negotiations.

These San Antonio restaurants will celebrate Mardi Gras with special menus, parties, events

The Rustic, Künstler Brewing, Dog and Pony and more are getting in on the Mardi Gras action.

Alamo Drafthouse outfitting one of its San Antonio theaters with premium reclining seats

Renovations at the Alamo Drafthouse’s Stone Oak location are expected to wrap up in late April.

San Antonio’s Pearl complex to host free party for James Beard semifinalist Nicola Blaque

Blaque is the chef-owner of nationally lauded Jamaican eatery The Jerk Shack and the Pearl concept Mi Roti.

Cat cemetery at San Antonio’s Alamo has been removed to make way for new collections center

Alamo officials said they’re unsure whether the felines’ grave markers will be returned to the mission’s hallowed grounds.

Owner of San Antonio bar Moses Rose’s launches GoFundMe to cover court costs as talks stall

Although negotiations have stalled, San Antonio City Attorney Andy Segovia said the parties are still trying to reach a fair settlement.

Supporters of San Antonio bar Moses Rose’s to hold ‘property rights’ rally next weekend

News of the march comes days after bar owner Vine Cantu turned down a $4 million offer from the Alamo Trust.

Although Moses Rose’s owner wants $17 million, he valued bar at $527,000 in tax document

Vince Cantu, owner of the downtown San Antonio bar, has previously demanded $17 million from the Alamo Trust.

This article appears in Feb 8-21, 2023.