It’s been nearly two years since the short break that inevitably led to the end of Jefferson Bodega on Donaldson Avenue, but there may be life yet in the former neighborhood corner store. Property records point to a 2025 acquisition by the folks behind some of San Antonio’s most exciting bars in recent years.
Olaf Harmel and Gerry Shirley founded cocktail-centric spots like The Modernist and the sorely missed La Ruina. As of February 14, the pair gained ownership of the former Jefferson Bodega building, according to a deed transaction recorded by the Bexar County Appraisal District. MySA reached out to Harmel to ask about any plans for the property.
“The rough idea for this old gas station is to create a simple Texas-style bar & eatery,” Harmel told MySA in an email. “Cold Beer, Margaritas, Micheladas and maybe an Old Fashioned, also a good amount on non-alcoholic options.”
Harmel confirmed that the name of the new concept is Jefferson Market Icehouse and BBQ. The new concept is expected to serve dishes like barbecue sandwiches, tacos and maybe even a comforting bowl of chili, Harmel said.
TABC sign taped to front door of building at 1005 Donaldson Ave. (Polly Anna Rocha/MySA)
Meanwhile, it appears that Luke and Lisa Horgan, otherwise known as Bodega Man and BodegaMa, are staging a comeback in the vein of Jefferson Bodega in a new space. The husband-and-wife duo have been teasing something new on social media, with a recent video showing Bodega Man outside of SA Yacht Club, a multiuse hub near San Antonio’s Pearl.
The San Antonio Express-News published a report sharing more details about the changes, including its projected opening date of New Year’s Day. MySA has reached out to learn more from the Bodega fam, who confirmed the new concept will be called Bodega Moto.
Find it: Jefferson Market Icehouse and BBQ: 1005 Donaldson Ave., San Antonio, TX 78228
Find it: Bodega Moto: 310 W. Grayson St., San Antonio, TX 78212
This article originally published at Bar innovators breathe new life into a memory-filled San Antonio spot.