Traditional businesses in the Harlandale and McCollum area are woven into the fabric of the community.

san antonio – Throughout the Harlandale and McCollum areas, you’ll find businesses that have stood the test of time.

In the decades they’ve been open, they’ve integrated into the community.

These businesses are often referred to as legacy businesses.

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This Southside community features long-standing tire shops, restaurants, and specialty stores.

One such business is B&B Smokehouse.

In 1958, Hal’s Drive-In and Barbecue Restaurant opened at 2619 Pleasanton Road, between Harlandale and McCollum High Schools.

Hal Finley, a World War II veteran, came to the area after retiring from the Air Force.

He decided to make this part of San Antonio his family’s home and opened a restaurant.

“I literally grew up in a playpen right behind the window,” recalls Hull’s son Bruce Finley.

Finley said her father eventually got tired of running the business and closed it, but the family still owned the property.

Back in the 1980s, Finley said she and her brother decided to run a restaurant.

“We started with little money,” Finley said. “We didn’t know anything about business. It was a real mess. But we ran with it and generated good business.”

So great that B&B Smokehouse is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

Although the building has grown and changed over the years, the food has always remained a crowd favorite.

The B&B offers traditional barbecue such as brisket, sausage, and chicken, as well as all the traditional sides.

For Finley, the real secret to success was his employees and customers.

“I consider my customers to be family,” Finley said. “I thought about going somewhere else, but I thought, ‘Why would I do that?'” My customer base is here, and they treat us great. . ”

Although B&Bs have struggled a bit due to the pandemic and the economy, customers continue to come, Finley said.

That’s why Finley loves this part of the South Side and feels it’s a place many should visit to get a true taste of San Antonio.

“It’s a more laid-back vibe, which I call the old San Antonio,” Finley said. “This is the real San Antonio. It’s been very comfortable for us. We’ve had great business here. We love it.”