SAN ANTONIO – The annual USA Today Readers’ Choice Awards are open for voting, and La Gloria, at the San Antonio International Airport, is currently in first place in the category for best airport local/regional dining.

La Gloria has been noticed by different travel magazines before, but Chef Johnny Hernandez said being a part of the list of nominees is a great honor.

“It’s such a huge recognition for us,” Hernandez said.

Voting continues until Feb. 10.

Hernandez continues to stay busy. Last year, he opened two new La Gloria locations in the Dominion, on the far northwest side, and at Caesars Palace, in Las Vegas.

Hernandez’s goal is to expand and eventually open other La Gloria restaurants outside of San Antonio.

“I would love to, in the next 12 months, announce somewhere else where we will be growing,” Hernandez said. “But I’m being careful. It has to be for the right reasons and right time.”

As the culinary scene continues to grow in San Antonio, Hernandez said he is hoping local chefs continue to open restaurants in developing parts of the city.

“We just have to make sure we are really smart as a city, creating opportunities for local chefs and local restaurants in the critical areas like Southtown, La Villita and Hemisfair Plaza,” Hernandez said.

To vote for La Gloria as the best Airport Local/ Regional Dining, click here.