Boerne’s business landscape is always changing. New restaurants and shops are opening around town, but at the same time, several familiar names have recently disappeared.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve noticed five Boerne businesses that have closed or vacated their locations. In some cases, we know why. In others, there hasn’t been much information released about what happened.
Here’s what we know.
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El Botero Tapas & Wine
Location: 161 S Main Street
El Botero Tapas & Wine has closed its doors on South Main Street.
The restaurant and wine bar offered tapas, wine and a cozy date night spot just a short walk from Main Plaza. The space has now been emptied, and a For Lease sign confirms the property is available for a new tenant.
There has been no announcement yet about what could eventually replace El Botero at the location.
Gruene Botanicals
Location: 1236 S Main Street
Gruene Botanicals has also moved out of its Boerne location.
The CBD shop opened along South Main Street next to the former La Four’s Seafood location a little over a year ago, along with several similar shops around town. When we recently stopped by, the storefront had been completely cleared out.
For now, the space sits empty.
Painted Pottery of Boerne
Location: 930 E Blanco Road, Suite 400
Painted Pottery of Boerne had one of the shortest runs of the businesses on this list.
The paint-your-own pottery studio opened in April, giving families and artists another creative activity to enjoy around town. Just a few months later, the business has closed.
According to the owner, the closure was due to an out-of-town move.
Lulu’s Tea House
Location: 1361 S Main Street #401
Lulu’s Tea House is currently closed, although its future is a little less clear.
A large handwritten sign covering the front door reads “CLOSED until further notice!”
Underneath it are what appear to be goodbye messages from employees. One thanks customers for the memories after making boba for the community for the past two years, while several others include personal notes and well wishes.
At this point, we have not seen an announcement explaining the closure or confirming whether it will be permanent, so for now, all we know for certain is what the sign says: closed until further notice.
The Bank & Trust
Location: 118 W Bandera Road
The Bank & Trust has vacated its Boerne office, and the property at 118 W Bandera Road is now being advertised for lease.
The move does not mean the end of Bank & Trust in the Hill Country, as the company opened a new Kerrville office in April.
We have not seen an announcement detailing why the Boerne location closed.
Another Boerne Business Is Asking for the Community’s Help
While the five businesses above have already closed their Boerne locations, another local shop is hoping to avoid the same fate.
Handmade on Main, located at 347 N Main Street next to Klein Smokehaus, recently shared that it could close at the end of the year if business does not improve.
The locally owned shop carries products from Texas makers, including handmade gifts, candles, plants, accessories and Boerne-themed items.
The owner recently summed up what she hopes could make a difference:
“Imagine what could happen if every resident around came in and purchased just one item to propel us into the new year.”
There are plenty of reasons a business closes, and not every closure is the result of a lack of community support. Painted Pottery, for example, specifically told us its closure was related to an out-of-town move.
Just remember: if there’s a restaurant you love, a little shop you always meant to visit, or a local business you’d genuinely miss if it disappeared, consider stopping by.
And hopefully, some of these newly vacant spaces won’t stay empty for long.