Brick at Blue Star Locked Out After Boycott, Unpaid Rent and Tax Debt

Former employees called for a boycott over thousands in unpaid wages in January.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The popular Brick at Blue Star restaurant in San Antonio's Blue Star Arts Complex has been locked out by its landlord after falling behind on rent payments and accruing significant tax debt. The lockout comes after a group of former employees called for a boycott of the restaurant in January over thousands of dollars in unpaid wages.

Why it matters

The closure of Brick at Blue Star, a longtime fixture in the Blue Star Arts Complex, highlights the financial challenges facing small businesses in San Antonio, especially those impacted by the pandemic and labor disputes. The boycott and lockout raise questions about worker protections and the ability of local businesses to weather economic downturns.

The details

According to court documents, Brick at Blue Star owed over $50,000 in back rent to its landlord and had significant tax debt with the state of Texas. After failed attempts to reach a payment agreement, the landlord changed the locks, effectively shutting down the restaurant. The lockout comes just weeks after a group of former Brick employees launched a boycott campaign, alleging the restaurant owed them thousands in unpaid wages.

  • Brick at Blue Star was locked out by its landlord on February 15, 2026.
  • In January 2026, former Brick employees called for a boycott over thousands in unpaid wages.

The players

Brick at Blue Star

A popular restaurant located in the Blue Star Arts Complex in San Antonio, Texas.

Blue Star Arts Complex

A mixed-use development in San Antonio that houses various restaurants, galleries, and shops.

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What they’re saying

“We tried to work with the landlord, but they wouldn't budge. Now we're left with no choice but to shut our doors.”

— Brick at Blue Star Manager (Expressnews.com)

“All we wanted was the money we earned. It's a shame it had to come to this.”

— Former Brick at Blue Star Employee (Expressnews.com)

What’s next

The former Brick at Blue Star employees plan to continue their boycott campaign and explore legal options to recover the unpaid wages. The landlord has not indicated whether they will seek to find a new tenant for the space.

The takeaway

The closure of Brick at Blue Star underscores the fragility of small businesses, especially those facing labor disputes and economic challenges. This case highlights the need for stronger worker protections and better support for local restaurants and retailers in San Antonio.