A San Antonio-area couple is working to keep their dream restaurant alive after alleging that a contractor took roughly $200,000 from their project, leaving their new bistro unfinished.
Sharrah and John Lopez, the husband-and-wife team behind the upcoming Ginger’s Bistro, are hoping to raise enough money to complete the long-delayed restaurant at 4250 TPC Pkwy. in San Antonio, according to San Antonio CultureMap.
The couple says they were making progress on the build-out when they became concerned about their contractor’s handling of the project. According to Sharrah, one of the first red flags came when the contractor told the couple they had received a fine from the fire marshal, allegedly related to a small gathering they had held inside the space.
Sharrah said to the publication mentioned above that she later contacted the fire marshal and learned that the official had not spoken with the contractor in months.
She also alleges that she paid the contractor for a vent hood and an HVAC unit, but neither piece of equipment has arrived at the restaurant.
In total, Sharrah estimates that she and John have lost approximately $200,000 in what she describes as a devastating setback to their plans.
Now, the couple is facing the cost of completing the build-out while continuing to pay rent on the unfinished space. Sharrah said securing additional financing has been difficult because lenders want to see a proven business model before providing a loan.
Sharrah said the couple is not financially well-off and described the restaurant as their biggest leap of faith, adding that the setbacks have left them feeling like they have failed.
Despite the setback, the Lopezes have not given up on Ginger’s Bistro.
The couple, who live nearby in Cibolo Canyons, originally envisioned Ginger’s Bistro as a cozy neighborhood restaurant where residents could relax, enjoy good food and spend time together.
The restaurant’s name has a personal connection. John chose Ginger’s because of his fondness for redheads, particularly his wife.
Sharrah, who grew up near the Louisiana border, plans to bring the flavors of her childhood to the restaurant. The menu is expected to feature Cajun favorites such as crawfish étouffée and gumbo, alongside Southern comfort foods including hamburgers, meatloaf and other familiar dishes.
The couple also wants the restaurant to serve as a gathering place for the surrounding community.
As empty nesters, Sharrah and John said they enjoy spending time at the bars of nearby restaurants, an experience that helped inspire Ginger’s beverage program. The restaurant is expected to feature high-end bourbons and some of the couple’s favorite wines.
The Lopezes are now looking for a way to get the restaurant across the finish line while dealing with the financial burden created by the unfinished build-out.
John is a 22-year-old Army disabled combat veteran, and Sharrah said both she and her husband have faced significant challenges throughout their lives.
Sharrah’s daughter launched a GoFundMe campaign to help the couple complete the project. The fundraiser had raised nearly $4,000 at the time of the original report, although Sharrah said the couple still needs help covering the restaurant’s rent and other immediate expenses.
She has also recently spoken with the owners of Pan Dulce, another business at TPC Plaza, in hopes that the conversations could lead to additional assistance or an opportunity to help Ginger’s Bistro move forward.
Despite everything that has happened, Sharrah said she and John remain determined to see the restaurant open.
Sharrah also expressed that the couple remains determined to pursue every possible option to keep the restaurant moving forward, adding that they simply need more time to overcome the challenges they are facing.
