Hard Eight BBQ Expands to San Antonio: New Restaurant Coming to Bass Pro Shops at The RIM in 2026
For San Antonio residents, weekends at The RIM Shopping Center often mean a mix of shopping, dining, and time spent with family. Soon, that experience will come with a distinctly Texas addition: the unmistakable aroma of mesquite-fired barbecue drifting from a new Hard Eight BBQ location set to open inside Bass Pro Outdoor World.
The family-owned Texas barbecue brand is bringing its signature pit-style experience to 17907 IH-10 West, with construction scheduled to begin April 2, 2026, and completion anticipated by November 1, 2026. The $5 million project represents more than just a new restaurant—it reflects continued growth along the IH-10 corridor and the increasing demand for destination-style dining in Northwest San Antonio.
For families, food lovers, and longtime barbecue enthusiasts, the arrival of Hard Eight BBQ signals a new place to gather—one rooted in tradition, hospitality, and a uniquely interactive dining experience.
More Than a Restaurant: A Full Texas Experience
The upcoming Hard Eight BBQ at Bass Pro Shops is designed to be more than a typical sit-down restaurant. Plans show a 17,300-square-foot space, including approximately 12,800 square feet of renovated indoor dining and an additional 4,500 square feet of open-air and conditioned structures.
That open-air component is key to what makes Hard Eight stand out. Guests can expect to walk up to live mesquite-fired pits, where meats are cooked over wood coals and served directly by pitmasters—a hallmark of the brand’s “Texas-style” service.
From brisket seasoned with signature spices to jalapeño cheddar sausage, pulled pork smoked with Shiner Bock beer, and classic sides like mac and cheese, pinto beans, and fried okra, the menu reflects the kind of hearty, shareable meals that have long defined Texas barbecue culture.
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A Partnership Rooted in Texas Tradition
The San Antonio location also marks the beginning of a broader collaboration between Hard Eight BBQ and Bass Pro Shops—two brands that, while different in focus, share similar values around family, tradition, and the outdoors.
Hard Eight BBQ, founded in 2003 in Stephenville, Texas, has grown steadily across North Texas while maintaining its family-owned identity. The business was started by the late Phillip Nivens alongside his wife Vicki, with continued involvement from their extended family.
Bringing that legacy to San Antonio has been a long-standing goal for the company, and the Bass Pro Shops location offers a natural fit—blending outdoor lifestyle culture with a communal dining experience.
What This Means for San Antonio’s Growth
The addition of Hard Eight BBQ at The RIM highlights a broader trend in San Antonio development: experiential retail and dining destinations that encourage visitors to stay longer and return often.
For nearby neighborhoods and businesses, the project could bring:
- Increased foot traffic to The RIM Shopping Center
- More dining options for residents and visitors along IH-10
- Continued investment in the city’s Northwest growth corridor
- A new gathering place for families and community events
With its proximity to La Cantera, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, and expanding residential areas, The RIM continues to position itself as a central hub for both locals and tourists.
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What Happens Next
Construction is expected to begin in early April 2026, with work focused on transforming an existing restaurant space into Hard Eight’s signature open-pit concept. If timelines hold, the restaurant could welcome its first guests by fall 2026—just in time for cooler weather and peak outdoor dining season in San Antonio.
As anticipation builds, many residents are already looking forward to experiencing a brand that has built its reputation on consistency, quality, and a welcoming, family-first atmosphere.
A Community Table in the Making
In a city known for its deep food culture and appreciation for barbecue, Hard Eight’s arrival feels less like a new addition and more like a natural extension of San Antonio’s identity.
For longtime locals and newcomers alike, it offers something familiar yet fresh—a place where meals are shared, traditions are honored, and the simple act of gathering around good food continues to bring people together.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.