Managing Editor Andy Cupp discusses the importance of supporting local businesses on the Westside, and thanks Mestizo Coffeehouse for their years of serving the community.
As this edition goes to print, we at The West View want to give a special goodbye to a long-time partner and supporter of everything on the Westside: Mestizo Coffeehouse.
For 17 years, it’s been a space where everyone was welcome. It wasn’t just a café — it was a gathering space, a safe space. For many, it was a kind of sanctuary. It housed a gallery, community groups, dance classes, and so much more. It told the stories of Westside community members. It hosted many events and meetings for The West View over the years and for that, we are truly grateful. As things on the Westside have changed, as foot traffic has fallen, and as prices of goods continue to rise, co-owner David Galvan said it was time to close Mestizo Coffeehouse. Their final day was September 27th. They will be truly missed.
Small businesses are the lifeblood of a community. And to lose a staple like Mestizo is a loss for us all. Other Westside businesses have struggled recently too. Los Tapatios, which has a location near Rancho Markets and was featured in our Westside Eats collection a few months ago, suffered greatly from a massive fire on Main Street, destroying their newest location. And El Asadero, a long-time eatery on North Temple, was forced to close this summer due to redevelopment plans for the site.
But new businesses are also coming online. Culture Coffee opened within the past few years and has had tremendous success. In this edition, we highlight their first-ever night market. Plov & Borsch just opened its doors too, bringing Eurasian food to the Westside; our latest Westside Eats article gives them a glowing review.
All of this is to say that supporting local businesses is vital to the success of our community. As we continue to face economic uncertainty, I urge you to make the extra effort to support the “mom and pop” shops throughout the Westside. Developments and changes may necessitate the closure of some of our favorite places, but let’s do what we can to ensure no one ever has to close due to a lack of customers.
Shop local. Stay local. Support your community. Support the Westside.
After 17 years of serving coffee, community, and more on the Westside, Mestizo Coffeehouse has closed its doors. Photo by Ben Trentelman.
