First, the bad news: the troubled space at 2769 Nacogdoches Rd. has claimed another victim. After less than a year in business, Biff Buzby’s Backyard closed suddenly on March 3. But quicker than you can say “turnkey,” a new restaurant has taken its place — the resurrection of Southtown favorite Bandit BBQ & Burger. Food and bar service have already started, the restaurant confirms.
Biff Buzby’s opened its second location in February 2024, taking over the former location of Windmill Ice House. The latter, which suffered a delayed opening due to the Covid-19 pandemic, shuttered in July 2023, only lasting two years.
The turbulent time for hospitality also affected Bandit BBQ. The barbecue joint debuted in May 2020 at the Freight Gallery & Studios in Southtown, unable to offer anything but curbside takeout. The rocky start did not set a foundation for longevity. Although it has received positive press from giants like Texas Monthly, the business flamed out in May 2022.
The team did have a safety net. In February, Bandit’s Mark Garcia and Brandon Peterson announced they were taking over the former Hello Paradise lot in Government Hill to open the all-American spot Big Animal. Though the concept didn’t significantly change, the name did. San Antonio’s campy fascination (Camp Hot Wells, Camp Outpost, Camp 1604) won out with a new monicker — Summer Camp.
Whiplashed yet? There’s one more switcheroo. Summer Camp rebranded in April 2024 as the smash burger concept Smash’d with Peterson still running the kitchen.
After an almost three-year hiatus, Bandit popped up suddenly on February 13 with a social media announcement that “something big was cooking.” On March 3, the same day Biff Buzby’s said goodbye, it shared its new bar was already running. The Backyard website was redirected to a new Bandit URL.
The newly released menu includes brisket, burgers, and other barbecue staples. However, the business doesn’t seem ready to bring back the smoked hot dog — one of Texas Monthly barbecue editor Daniel Vaughn’s favorite bites of 2021. A page for specials is still under construction, so there’s still hope it’ll turn up. Meanwhile, it’s business as usual at the original Biff Buzby’s Burgers at 12702 Toepperwein Rd. #130.
