For more than a decade, PicaPica Plaza has given Southside entrepreneurs a place to launch businesses, connect with customers, and work toward their dreams of business ownership. But who owns PicaPica Plaza, and what inspired its creation?
An investment group led by San Antonio developer and owner Al Honigblum owns PicaPica Plaza, and Honigblum has served as managing partner of the PicaPica Plaza Ownership Group. The investors wanted to create something unique for the Southside: an indoor marketplace where local entrepreneurs could start small and expand as their businesses grew.
“Al had a vision for a shopping center that would help the local community of hard-working individuals and entrepreneurs fulfill their lifelong dream of starting and owning their own business,” Monica Medina shared.
PicaPica Plaza opened in 2012 at 910 SE Military Drive inside a former retail building. The approximately 130,000-square-foot development was designed as a combination of a traditional shopping center and a mercado, bringing independent stores, kiosks, restaurants, services and entertainment together under one roof.
From the beginning, the goal was to create an affordable stepping stone for people with a product, service or business idea who were not yet ready to open a traditional storefront. PicaPica Plaza continues to offer long-term retail spaces, weekend rental options and kiosks that can be rented daily or permanently. This flexibility allows business owners to test their ideas, establish a customer base and grow at a pace that works for them.
The vendors are at the heart of PicaPica Plaza. Shoppers can support dozens of independent businesses offering fashion, Western wear, jewelry, beauty services, electronics, collectibles, customized gifts, children’s clothing, cultural products and professional services.
Current vendors include 210 Retro Games, Andrea’s Fashion, Angelina’s Western Wear, Cakes by Jennifer, Corazones on Fire, Dulcería Carmelita, El Deportista, Indios Boots, Very That and many others.
Visitors can also enjoy a variety of food, desserts and snacks. Options include pupusas, birria tacos, wings, burgers, mangonadas, paletas, aguas frescas, fruit cups, Mexican candy and other favorites. Snack Avenue, Sabor Salvadoreño, Tweety Fruteria & Snacks and Southside Sip & Snack are among the businesses serving visitors.
Each vendor brings something different to the marketplace, but they share the entrepreneurial spirit that inspired PicaPica Plaza. Every purchase directly supports local business owners who help make the Southside community unique. Since businesses and offerings may change, shoppers can view the current PicaPica Plaza business directory before visiting.
PicaPica Plaza is also home to an Event Center that can accommodate weddings, quinceañeras, birthdays, holiday celebrations, charity galas, and other special occasions. Several party packages help families plan celebrations in one location.
A basic rental may include tables and banquet chairs, main tables, security, cleanup, an event host, a vanity room for a bride or quinceañera, and free lighted parking. According to the venue, the Event Center can accommodate up to 250 guests with a dance floor or up to 400 guests without one, depending on the event and local capacity guidelines. Those interested in hosting an event can learn more through the PicaPica Plaza Event Center or call 210-290-4900 or 210-777-7839.
The plaza has also become known for hosting family-friendly community events. Its annual back-to-school celebration has included distributing backpacks filled with school supplies to local students.
Another community favorite is Spooklandia, an indoor Halloween celebration where families can trick-or-treat in a safe environment. Participating shop owners distribute candy while children and adults enjoy games and a costume contest.
PicaPica Plaza has also supported the Southside during times of need. In 2020, Honigblum and the ownership group helped organize the Lots of Love initiative in partnership with the San Antonio Food Bank. The plaza’s parking lot became a food distribution site serving families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Honigblum continues to encourage San Antonio residents to shop locally and support independent businesses. That message remains central to PicaPica Plaza’s purpose. Shopping at the plaza helps entrepreneurs continue building their businesses while keeping more dollars within the community.
Today, PicaPica Plaza remains a place where residents can eat, shop, celebrate, and support local entrepreneurs. Its continued presence reflects the ownership group’s original vision of creating opportunities for hardworking individuals while strengthening the Southside business community.
PicaPica Plaza is located at 910 SE Military Drive, between Flores Street and Roosevelt Avenue, in San Antonio. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The plaza is closed on Mondays.
For current events, vendor information, and leasing opportunities, visit PicaPicaPlaza.com.
