Blue Rodeo is sure to brighten your day with their kind energy and happy spirit. Here's a small talk chat with the owner, Jimmy Segura.
What inspired you to start your own cafe?
Two things I love more than anything are coffee and people, and it was always a dream to be able to make friends while making coffee. I enjoy making coffee, but I am truly passionate about cultivating relationships with my customers, who often become my friends.
What were you doing before you started your cafe? Did you have a related background or any smaller projects you were doing beforehand to work up to opening a cafe?
I was a public school teacher for 6 years before I started Blue Rodeo. I worked at a coffee shop on the weekends while my wife finished school so I could save to start my own one day.
What is the story behind your cafe’s name?
I compiled a list of potential names for about a year before I started making moves to start my shop. I had a list of around one hundred names, and I slowly started to narrow it down to a few. I was on a run in late 2024 and the song ‘Dear Rodeo’ by Zach Bryan came on. I liked the name. So I started throwing other words in front of Rodeo to see what felt right. After a few days, I arrived at Blue Rodeo, and the whole brand came together in a matter of moments. I instantly knew I wanted my logo to be a crying cowboy, and the trailer wrapped in a beautiful powder blue.
What is the most loved item on your menu and why do you think that is?
My most popular item is the Spiced Blueberry Latte. I put a lot of effort into crafting a unique syrup to pair with lattes, matcha, chai, and anything else someone wants to try it in! There’s no better feeling than seeing people love your product so much. It’s a dream come true.
What do you do for yourself to keep things light & fun when business ownership gets tough?
I do my best thinking when I’m running, and it helps to alleviate anxiety after a stressful day of working and administrative work. But no matter how stressed I get, the privilege of getting to do what I love every day is not lost on me. I also really enjoy the stillness of the early morning when very few customers have come out yet. I listen for the birds, the sounds of cars buzzing by, the aromas from the coffee brewing, and read a few pages of my current book.
What are some ways you’ve found to help work flow when the cafe gets busy?
Putting on old school Justin Bieber, and the Hairspray soundtrack if things get really crazy.
Where do you source your coffee beans and why did you choose to work with them?
My beans are from Little Waves Coffee Roasters in Durham, NC. I was immediately pulled in by the warm and charismatic energy from the LW team. They were very communicative and willing to help in every way. Aside from having very high standards and high quality beans, Little Waves is women and Latina owned, which I thought was a unique way to honor and resonate with the San Antonio community. Naturally, my espresso had to be the Amor Prohibido blend, named to honor Selena Quintanilla.
Could you share any words of wisdom to someone thinking about starting a cafe of their own?
I’m still pretty new to the game of owning a business, but I’m not new to the dream of it all. My advice is to be patient and strike when you’re ready. There will always be coffee shops and cafes popping up, but the truly excellent ones are rare. Take your time and make yours excellent.
What is in your cup today and why?
Today my shop was closed, and I brought some beans home to make as a pourover. I was away from the long lines and chaos of a busy weekend. I got to enjoy the tea-like lightness of a lovely Red Bourbon that reminded me of a peachy summer beverage.
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Blue Rodeo serves Evergreen Chai's Spicy Ginger Chai.
Check out their ig for more fun:
https://www.instagram.com/bluerodeocoffee/