Leah Molina (left) and Elizabeth Rios own the cafe.[/caption]
Owner Elizabeth Rios had operated San Marcos coffee shop Jo on the Go for nearly 15 years when she said she saw an opportunity to expand to a unique location on the other side of Texas State University’s campus.
She purchased a building on Mary Street that had previously been a bakery, yoga studio and a private home.
“It happened to be that this little spot right here is in between the neighborhood, some businesses and the university,” Rios said. “It’s a really good spot for what’s going on right now.”
Along with co-owner Leah Molina, Rios opened Jo’s Cafe, which they call a “mom and mom” business, in May 2014.
“Once we opened the doors, we realized people were so happy we were here [and] that there was something on this side of town,” Rios said.
The cafe includes an outdoor patio.[/caption]
Because it is at the junction of the university and a neighborhood, Jo’s Cafe customers come from different segments of San Marcos’ population. It is not uncommon to see an established, longtime San Marcos resident sitting next to a young college student studying for his or her midterms, Molina said.
Unlike Jo on the Go, Jo’s Cafe features a kitchen and makes food in-house. Rios said tacos, pancakes and the breakfast sandwiches are the most popular items. The cafe also offers sweet potatoes in its tacos and as a side. Customers like that the food offerings are “just a little different,” Molina said.
The cafe’s most popular drink is the Shyster, which is made with raw sugar, espresso, half-and-half, and cream over ice. The iced toddy is also popular.
In December, Rios and Molina acquired Red Bud Roasters, a coffee shop and roastery at 169 S. LBJ Drive, San Marcos. Molina said she and Rios purchased Red Bud with the intention of roasting their own beans for their businesses. With their machine, they are able to roast 1,000 pounds a week and will eventually offer their coffee beans for sale to other businesses.
The food menu at Jo’s Cafe includes sweet potatoes, pancakes and tacos.[/caption]
“I feel like we’re getting a better, fresher product,” Molina said. “It just means better coffee for our business.”
Rios and Molina said the key to their success is focusing on their patrons.
“We really, really love our customers,” Molina said. “You want to feel like you’re at home but that someone else is making your food and fixing your coffee.”
Rios said it is the “friendly atmosphere” that sets Jo’s Cafe apart from other coffee shops and restaurants in the area.
“At the end of the day, we just want people to be happy,” Molina said. “If you have the chance to make somebody smile across the counter, that’s worth it alone.”
Jo’s Cafe 310 Mary St., San Marcos 512-878-8448 Hours: Mon.-Sat. 7 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m.- 5 p.m.
