Downtown Brownsville wakes up early. Doors open, lights glow, and the smell of espresso drifts onto Palm Boulevard.
In 2023, Mayra and Alonso Ibañez turned that morning ritual into something bigger. Aroma Espresso opened with a simple goal: to make great coffee. Then, it grew into a promise to build a welcoming, community‑centered space.
The menu tells that story. Mexican‑inspired drinks like Mazapan, Gansito, Abuelita, and Dulce de Leche carry memory and flavor in the same cup.
From the very beginning, Aroma stood out. Locally owned, rooted in Brownsville’s culture, the cafe brought a bold twist to the coffee scene. Every drink had a point of view, and every visit felt intentional.
But the early days test small businesses. Visibility was a challenge. So were building upgrades and cash flow. Mayra and Alonso applied to BCIC’s BIG Grant Program, choosing the Rent Subsidy and Facade Improvement grants that could move the needle.
The timing mattered. Rent support gave them stability in year one, and signage and exterior upgrades made the shop easier to spot from the street.
“The facade improvements and signage made our cafe more visible and welcoming, which helped attract more foot traffic,”
said Mayra.
Customers noticed, and sales followed. As momentum built, the team grew, adding full‑time and part‑time positions to keep pace with demand.
“It also gave us the stability to focus on improving our service and building a stronger team.”
There was care in the process, not just paint and fixtures. Working with BCIC staff, Mayra and Alonso navigated the grant requirements and aligned improvements with the character of the historic downtown district. The cafe
looks like it belongs, because it does.
Aroma Espresso is not finished. The next chapter includes acquiring the building they operate in and opening a second location. It also includes consistently showing up for the neighborhood in small and visible ways. They often serve coffee at the 1 Million Cups events at the eBridge Center.
“By supporting local suppliers and participating in community events, we hope to help strengthen the area’s economy and sense of community,” said Mayra.
They want the community to know the path that got them here.
Their journey has been one of “passion, hard work, and love for our city.”
Aroma Espresso is proof that place‑based businesses can shift a district’s mood. The shop adds jobs, draws foot traffic, and invites people to linger downtown. It also shows how the right local support at the right time can help an idea become an anchor.
This story was originally written by Mariangela Espinoza, BCIC’s Home to Texas Intern in Summer 2025, and edited by Nelson Amaro, BCIC’s Director of Marketing & Communications.