For nearly a century, a building in the heart of Downtown Brownsville stood as a quiet witness. Its walls had seen families gather, businesses come and go, and the rhythm of a city change with time.
Now, those same walls hold a new story—Whiskero—a cocktail destination that honors the past while shaping Brownsville’s future.
At the center of it all is Martin Cavazos. A Brownsville native. A Marine Corps veteran. An entrepreneur who first made his mark with the 1929 Whiskey Tavern.
Where others saw an aging structure, Martin saw potential. A space ready to come alive again, this time as a place that could bring people together in familiar and new ways.
“Opening Whiskero here is personal,” he shares. “It’s about building something that reflects where I come from and where our community is headed.”
From day one, Whiskero set itself apart with locally inspired cocktails, a refined yet welcoming atmosphere, and a focus on storytelling and connection.
Restoring a historic building is no small task. It takes vision, care, and resources to breathe new life into something that already carries so much history.
With support from BCIC’s BIG Grant, Martin kept the building’s history intact whil
e strengthening it for the future. A structure that had already given so much to Brownsville now has the upgrades—electrical systems, plumbing, and structural improvements—to keep it alive and useful for generations to come.
Today, every element reflects that balance. The restored façade greets visitors with dignity. The lighting, the glassware, and the details inside are all curated to feel elevated while staying rooted in Brownsville’s cultural DNA.
The community responded immediately. From a fully booked soft opening to weekends filled with returning guests, Whiskero has quickly become a community gathering spot.
“People tell us this is what Downtown Brownsville has been missing,” Martin says. “We’re not just serving drinks. We’re curating experiences.”
Since opening, Whiskero has created 10 local jobs, sparked interest from regional collaborators, and helped reenergize downtown. It draws foot traffic, supports local vendors and artists, and inspires other entrepreneurs to invest in the district’s revival.
Martin credits the BCIC’s BIG Grant for helping make this possible.
“Without it, I could’ve done something, but not at this level,” he says. “It allowed me to stay true to the vision without cutting corners.”
The story isn’t finished. Whiskero plans to expand hours, grow its team, and host events celebrating regional flavors, music, and creativity.
“We want to keep raising the bar in service, quality, and how we represent Brownsville,” Martin says. “This isn’t just about cocktails. It’s about creating a place people talk about long after they leave.”
For those considering a venture of their own, Martin offers a clear message:
“Believe in your vision. Don’t give up. Stay rooted in your purpose, and surround yourself with people who believe in the community as much as you do.”
Whiskero is more than a cocktail destination. It is a historic building reborn, a testament to persistence and purpose, and proof of what’s possible when community support empowers vision.
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.