SAN ANTONIO – Last year was a rollercoaster of a year for small businesses, which is why The Lemon Girls said they are counting their blessings.
The business, located on North Zarzamora Street, blends the flavors of Puerto Rico and San Antonio into different drinks. Co-owners Desirée and Maxine Cofino opened the shop two years ago.
At the end of December, they received a $10,000 grant from the Human Rights Campaign. The couple said the grant could not have come at a better time.
“We’re so lucky,” Desirée said.
When they opened the shop, Desirée said they wanted to create a community cornerstone. They sell fruits, vegetables and have free books for their neighbors to read.
Since opening, the business has seen its fair share of ups and downs.
Maxine said its lowest point was in October and November 2024.
“It’s very cyclical,” Maxine said. “There was a shift in people and a shift in tone. It was the gloomiest moment I think we’ve had in this store. And then we had to ask for help.”
The couple put out a plea to their customers hoping to drive up sales. Then they said a miracle happened.
“I’d actually been trying for about a year,” Desiree Cofino said. “At the time, I was feeling kind of discouraged.”
The Lemon Girls received the “Queer to Stay” grant through a partnership between the HRC and SHOWTIME®. The grant supports LGBTQ+ businesses across the country.
The Lemon Girls now hope that the New Year will bring fresh opportunities for expansion. They are working on adding new menu items to their ramen bar and snacks inspired by Asian, Indian and Latino cuisines.
As The Lemon Girls press forward, they are not alone in the reality of San Antonio’s business climate.
In 2024, dozens of businesses closed their doors across the city, citing a combination of rising inflation, lengthy construction projects and other financial pressures.
Jeff Webster, President & CEO of the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, said he’s hopeful for 2025.
“These things all begin to wrap up, and it’s all just synergy that begins to drive San Antonio forward,” Webster said.
For a list of San Antonio-area businesses that closed in 2024, click here.
