Big Bob’s closed; Smack’s Chicken Shack moving in

Smack’s Chicken Shack will open in the former Big Bob’s Burger’s spot on Hildebrand near San Pedro. It’s the first brick-andmortar location for the popular food truck.

Chef and owner Keenen Hendricks doesn’t have an opening date yet, as he’s working on making repairs to the space, but said he took over on Oct. 1.

Hendricks said the new location will feature an extended menu of what his food truck serves, including special sandwiches

exclusive to the restaurant, grilled chicken, salads, wings, additional sides and a burger option. He said a vegan or vegetarian sandwich is also in development.

Smack’s has gained San Antonio foodie notoriety for serving decked-out chicken sandwiches like a bahn mi-inspired mouthful that has become a fan favorite. There’s also the “Hoodrat,” with Hot Cheetos piled on, and a take on Nashville hot chicken.

Though the restaurant has plenty of dine-in space — with eight to 10 benches on the patio and another 16 tables inside — Hendricks said online ordering will also be available.

Big Bob’s Burgers occupied the space since 2011 after moving there fromWurzbach Road. In 2017, the late-owner Bob Riddle

spoke candidly about his business struggles and his battle with Parkinson’s disease. Riddle died in October 2018, but his restaurant remained open.

Hendricks said the roaming restaurant will continue to operate once the brick and mortar opens, but with a more limited schedule.

Smack’s Chicken Shack truck is located outside Hopscotch at 711 Navarro St., 210-596-4292, Facebook: @smackerelsa. The restaurant will open at 447 W. Hildebrand at some point.