Three U.S. Army veterans are bringing their experience and entrepreneurial spirit to Bastrop County through new businesses launched in 2026. (Courtesy Adobe Stock)
A coffee truck in Dale, a wine bar in Bastrop and a winery in Smithville have something in common: Each was launched by a U.S. Army veteran in 2026.
Here’s a look at the three businesses and the veterans behind them.
Jorge Jimenez, former Army specialist, 4th Infantry Division
Jorge Jimenez, former Army specialist, 4th Infantry DivisionCourtesy Jorge Jimenez
Veteran- and Latino-owned Jaguar Brew Coffee serves handcrafted drinks from its coffee truck in west Bastrop County.
Jorge Jimenez opened the business in April with a menu featuring lattes and other espresso-based drinks, cold brew, matcha and pastries.
Jaguar Brew Coffee serves a range of hot and iced beverages.Courtesy Jaguar Brew Coffee
"Transitioning from the military to becoming a small business owner has been quite the journey," Jimenez told Community Impact. "Opening Jaguar Brew Coffee has been one of the most challenging but rewarding experiences of my life. I’m incredibly grateful to now serve my community in a different way."
John Formica, former Army specialist, 82nd Airborne Division
John Formica, former Army specialist, 82nd Airborne DivisionPluto's Wine Bar
Bastrop resident John Wayne Formica, a veteran who is classically trained in French cuisine, said he launched Pluto’s Wine Bar in January with his family's support.
Formica offers a curated selection of wines by the glass or bottle, as well as a seasonal, chef-driven menu, educational tastings, themed events and more.
Pluto's Wine Bar offers a curated selection of wines and chef-driven bites.Courtesy Pluto's Wine Bar
Lance Bondy, retired Army captain, 24th Military Intelligence Battalion
Lance Bondy, retired Army captain, 24th Military Intelligence BattalionCourtesy Frontier Cellars
Veteran Lance Bondy spent about three years transforming a 73-acre Smithville property into a winery and tasting room before opening in March.
In addition to wine, Frontier Cellars serves food such as a Neapolitan-style flatbread topped with tomato sauce, Parmigiano and basil.Frontier Cellars
The tasting room overlooks a two-acre lake and offers indoor and outdoor seating, with wines made exclusively from Texas-grown grapes. Guests can also order small bites, including Neapolitan-style flatbreads, herbed cheese spreads and charcuterie.
Since opening, Frontier Cellars has earned recognition for its wines. Its 2022 Big Red and 2024 Pétillant Naturel earned medals at the 2026 Finger Lakes International Wine and Spirits Competition.
