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Hot Spot Bean Girl A news clipping from a friend was all it took. Christina Bolch-coffee house manager of the Marriot-saw an article saved from a friend about the STWBC and felt this was the sign to start her own coffee shop. On her first visit to the STWBC, Christina realized the difficulty of creating the retro, eclectic café she dreamed about. She wanted live music, book readings; a cozy place to study with excellent customer service, but that would take time. She'd have to start small, and envisioned going where they needed her most, which in this case, was where she came from. Christina grew up on the Southside, and after careful consideration, decided that should be where she would begin. Residents expressed concern for the lack of bistros and coffeehouses. Questioning potential neighbors, Christina found out there was in fact a need for a small café. After working with a counselor at the STWBC, she put a feasible business plan in place and realized her dream could easily be a reality. With her business plan in place, STWBC put her in contact with the South Texas Business Fund, who was able to work with her and provide her with the type of loan that best fit her needs. Through various meetings with Randy Garcia, STBF loan officer, Christina received the SBA Bill Sinkin loan for equipment and inventory. While STBF processed her loan, STWBC and Christina did a countdown checklist for the opening; buying the supplies, notifying Hot Spots neighbors and a last minute inspection of the location to see if things were up to par. During the Holiday rush, on December 17, 2007, Christina opened up Hot Spot Bean Girl in the Heart of Shoppers City Mall on SW Military and Pleasanton Road. In addition to the coffee, tea and sandwiches on her original menu, she also prepares breakfast tacos and bread for nearby offices in the morning. In the evenings, she delivers warm sandwiches to students. As a small café in the mall, Hot Spot sees lines early in the morning and before the noon lunch hour. Her next venture? Opening up a hip spot for people to hear poetry and live music, more than likely in her beloved South Side. |
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