Sophia Cortez 
Ruben Garcia, owner of Southern Rose Coffee, prepares a coffee Nov. 20 inside El Comedor on the Brownsville campus.
Southern Rose Coffee, located inside El Comedor on the Brownsville campus, has become a familiar stop among students and staff. Owners Ruben and Nicole Garcia said they found a sense of support while operating their business on university grounds.
As the holidays approach, the café is preparing a special pop-up event from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. today until Thursday in the Music, Science and Learning Center on the Brownsville campus.
The setup will feature a mobile coffee cart and holiday drinks, including seasonal flavors the couple said they are testing.
Their regular El Comedor spot will stay open during the same business hours as the mobile location’s.
The Garcias began offering services at university events before moving into their current space, describing to The Rider their time at UTRGV as an experience shaped by people visiting their counter each day.
Before launching their business, Nicole Garcia had previously worked in the coffee industry while Ruben Garcia slowly started to develop his taste for coffee during their morning routine.
The business started in May 2023, beginning to work on the Brownsville campus in the 2024 Fall semester.
“We enjoy waking up, having coffee together and just starting the day,” Ruben Garcia said. “… That’s what we wanted to bring to others: connection.”
Their connection to UTRGV started with the School of Podiatric Medicine in Harlingen, which invited them to serve at several events, eventually leading them to Luis Guzman, lead of the Chartwells dining team at UTRGV, who offered them a spot at the university.
“Probably one of the best experiences we’ve ever had,” Nicole Garcia said.
The owners told The Rider that upon their arrival along came challenges such as permits, long hours and adapting to the fast pace of student life. The couple added the reception from the Vaquero community has made the process worthwhile.
“Students, faculty, kitchen staff, everyone has welcomed us with open arms,” Ruben Garcia said.
Inside El Comedor, the coffee shop became a routine for students and staff, especially during busy mornings.
Alan Cruz, an accounting senior, said he stops by almost every day.
“[The barista] knows my order, so she knows how to do it,” Cruz said. “… It’s good; I like the coffee.”
He added his favorite drink is a honey shaken espresso and students should stop by more often.
“It’s really good, and the people that work here are nice, too,” Cruz said.
Criminal justice junior Bryanna Aguirre, employee for Southern Rose Coffee, said her experience working at the café has been good.
“I’m always very bubbly, very happy, very helpful,” Aguirre said. “If they need suggestions on drinks, stuff like that, I’m very open, welcoming everybody who comes by.”
She said she recommends, for anybody who enjoys coffee, a caramel macchiato or the lavender rose latte signature drink.
“Overall, [I have] been nothing but grateful … for the opportunities that I’ve had to learn,” Aguirre said as she has enjoyed her experience working at the café. “… It’s been truly a blessing.”
The couple said they are grateful for the support they have received from the university community as they continue growing their bussiness.
“We appreciate UTRGV, the students and the staff,” Ruben Garcia said. “We’re thankful for everyone who comes in every day.”
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