San Antonio is experiencing a snack shop shakeup, as a once-viral ice cream shop is replaced by a growing local brand. At the same time, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams has made a major move to one of the Alamo City’s most popular shopping malls.
Let’s start with the exit of Kuma, an Asian bubble-waffle ice cream shop that regularly went viral for its aesthetically pleasing sweet treats. The business expanded and contracted at various points throughout its run, which began in 2017 on Babcock Road. More recently, the last remaining Kuma location at Shaenfield Ranch Center went dark.
Kuma shared ownership with another beloved eatery, Nama Ramen, one of San Antonio’s top ramen stops, which closed in 2025. Former co-owner Kevin Chu spoke to MySA about the impact that Kuma has on the local food scene.
“I think it helped usher in a new kind of thing into the city. Not just you know Asian-inspired, but I think it was hard at the beginning of the Instagram culture and the whole foodie thing,” Chu said during a phone conversation. “It’s exciting to be a part of that and leave our mark on that.”
In Kuma’s place, a new location for Sammy’s Snacks is already taking shape at 7915 W. Loop 1604 N., Suite 120. The snack bar announced plans to move into Kuma’s former space in an Instagram reel posted on June 4. The opening date for the second Sammy’s Snacks location has not yet been announced.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams opened a kiosk near Sephora and Pacsun at the Shops at La Cantera this summer. (Emma Weidmann/MySA)
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams opens first San Antonio location
In other ice cream-related news, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is set to unveil its first San Antonio stand at The Shops at La Cantera, according to a news release. The new ice cream kiosk will hold its grand opening on Thursday, July 23, and will feature flavors such as brambleberry crisp and gooey butter cake.
People who frequent the frozen-aisle section at H-E-B might be familiar with Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, as the Texas grocer carries several flavors across its stores.
This article originally published at San Antonio snack bar replaces viral bubble-waffle ice cream shop.