In 2000 he pursued his dream by opening his first restaurant in South Town s King William area called Augie s Barbed Wire Grill where he learned the dos and don ts of the restaurant world and there he met his beautiful wife, Sandra A Cortez along with his three step sons, Zachariah, Izaac and Elijah. In 2004 they got married and ventured into the real estate world, with a new son, Augustine Cortez, III “Baby Augie”(His gift from God). In his real estate ventures he discovered his current park location that he purchased and created Augie s Barbed Wire Smokehouse. After 12 years of success he expanded his third location called Augie s Alamo City BBQ & Steakhouse.

Early on, Augustine was very involved in a youth mentoring program while serving as a mentor for Storm elementary s first grade students and continued throughout the years.

Augustine has served on the River Road Association Board, and the Midtown Brackenridge planning development Board and is currently preparing for his position on the Board of Directors of San Antonio s Catholic Charities.

Augustine donates much of his time, efforts and resources by helping to raise money for local charities and churches of all faiths and denominations throughout the community.

When Augies not at the restaurants he manages his real estate rental company and is always involved with his four sons coaching them in various sports for the Catholic Youth Organization and or the local Catholic middle school football programs.

Since 2012 Augie has been honored & proud to be an active member of the Consejo organization where he has helped raise funds annually for student scholarships by assisting previous Rey Feo s.