EXTRA EXTRA
Austin-ascended chef opens retro-chic sandwich shop and vintage store in San Antonio
A new downtown sandwich shop is inviting San Antonio to rediscover the third space. After launching a successful Kickstarter and teasing locals with a series of pop-ups at Warehouse Diner, The Newstand opened May 7 in the Jefferson Bank building at 1900 Broadway St. #106.
The project comes from Page Pressley and his partner Dez Rodriguez. Although Rodriguez is a hospitality newbie, Pressley is a veteran chef most known for his work at Austin’s acclaimed Emmer & Rye and locally at Potluck Hospitality. He also had a brief but memorable stint as a reality star, competing on The Bachelorette.
The eatery is a callback of sorts, its midcentury newspaper clip art branding echoing a bygone approach to sourcing and preparation. The coffees are meticulously sourced from Central Texas roasters, many of the ingredients are local, and the grain used in the focaccia and pastries is hand-milled.
The focaccia forms the base of five sandwiches, named for iconic dailies. The choices range from The Tribune, a beefy selection featuring Texas Angus, giardiniera, and cheese sauce, to the lighter Times with egg salad, mayo, sprouts, and dill. The sides include several spreads, a fresh watermelon and cucumber salad, and chips.
Rodriguez and Pressley kept breakfast service friendly to hectic morning schedules. Although guests are invited to linger over a few op-eds, overnight oats and a fruit bowl form the bulk of the breakfast menu. Pastry chef Jamie Nunn supplements with pastries like a blueberry muffin and banana bread.
Dillydallying is further encouraged by The Obituaries, a back resale shop stocked with vintage books, clothing, and cookware. Wine service is coming soon, something that will undoubtedly lead to a few impulse buys.
The Newstand is now running on its permanent schedule of 7 am to 7 pm daily. Seating is limited inside, but the restaurant supplements it with a pet-friendly patio.