The Downtown Alliance works to protect and enhance the values and usage of downtown properties and businesses, making downtown an exciting place to live, work, shop and play.
Member Spotlight - Luke Restaurant
Chef Steven McHugh
Luke Restaurant
Luke Restaurant
Since opening our doors in November 2010 we have been very pleased with the mix of tourists and locals that frequent Luke and other Houston Street restaurants. We understand that competition is good for everyone and are quite pleased with the level of restaurants in the downtown area.
Why was downtown San Antonio chosen for Luke’s location?
Chef Besh chose the Alamo City largely due to its open-arm welcome of Hurricane Katrina refugees.
What do you like best about having a business downtown?
The people. We sometimes feel like we are running two separate restaurants. At lunch, we cater to a large group of locals, lawyers, bank employees, etc. who frequent Luke daily but are sometimes limited on time and budget. In the evening, we see more of a relaxed setting with locals and tourists enjoying all that downtown has to offer.
What do you think is the future of restaurants and dining in the center city?
I am excited about the future of downtown dining. Today’s consumers are smarter when it comes to what they eat. The great thing about San Antonio is people LOVE to eat and are always open to trying new restaurants.
What other types of retail shops do you think would complement downtown?
We would love to see more housing options available in the downtown area along with grocery stores offering organic and farm fresh merchandise.
Do you have any advice for someone considering starting a business, or moving their business, downtown?
Do your homework. It is important to understand your customers and your market. People who work and live downtown are very proud to be downtown dwellers. Its important to be a part of it all and build those relationships.
What prompted you to become a Downtown Alliance member?
We wanted to meet and share ideas with individuals and businesses that care about our city as much as we do. Our objective is to create relationships with others that have the same mindset when it comes to doing business in downtown San Antonio.