SAN ANTONIO — Baby boomers and Gen Zers alike browsed local art, enjoyed live music and snacked on sandwiches and nachos at an eclectic convenience store in the Alta Vista neighborhood.
The Sunday scene — a hub for local artists and musicians, where neighbors from all backgrounds can get to know each other and enjoy a cold drink or a delicious sandwich — was exactly what owner Cynthia Gomez had hoped for when she opened Oscar de la Tienda in December 2021.
And sure enough, the store on the corner of West Russell Place and North Flores became a quick hit.
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Owner Cynthia Gomez and Cindy Rodriquez-Martinez chat during a benefit Sunday to help raise funds for Oscar de la Tienda, an eclectic convenience store in the Alta Vista neighborhood that serves as a hub for other small businesses and local artists without brick and mortar shops of their own. Gomez said construction has severely impacted business and the store is “hanging on by a thread, operating at 25% of what average revenues should be.”
Robin Jerstad, San Antonio Express-News
“The community was really supportive,” Gomez said. “They told me, ‘We need this store.’”
On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio’s Oscar de la Tienda corner store fuels Alta Vista with art, music, community, sandwiches
Then came the construction.
In March, just three months after Oscar de la Tienda officially opened, city crews began tearing up the street to work on infrastructure improvements.
Owner Cynthia Gomez smiles during a benefit Sunday to help raise funds for Oscar de la Tienda, an eclectic convenience store in the Alta Vista neighborhood that serves as a hub for other small businesses and local artists without brick and mortar shops of their own. Gomez said construction has severely impacted business and the store is “hanging on by a thread, operating at 25% of what average revenues should be.”
Robin Jerstad, San Antonio Express-News
The construction continued for several months — before expanding even more, completely closing off the store from through traffic. Even loyal customers had a hard time getting to the store, Gomez said.
Now, Gomez said, the store is “hanging on by a thread.” She said average revenues are at 25 percent of what they should be. She’s unable to keep up with operating expenses and needed repairs.
“Our utility and tax bills have been racking up and we need help keeping the lights on, the water running and frankly, avoiding foreclosure,” Gomez wrote in a recent GoFundMe fundraiser. “Our ability to remain afloat is diminishing by the day.”
The store’s predicament is one many local business owners have faced in recent months, and in some cases years, as city-funded infrastructure projects to build new housing and retail space, repair streets, and upgrade cultural landmarks like the Alamo drag on.
Owner Cynthia Gomez smiles during a benefit Sunday to help raise funds for Oscar de la Tienda, an eclectic convenience store in the Alta Vista neighborhood that serves as a hub for other small businesses and local artists without brick and mortar shops of their own. Gomez said construction has severely impacted business and the store is “hanging on by a thread, operating at 25% of what average revenues should be.”
Robin Jerstad, San Antonio Express-News
On ExpressNews.com: ‘A long road ahead’: Constant construction wreaks havoc on downtown businesses
Last week, the city announced it plans to spend about $2.25 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds on grants for businesses impacted by lengthy infrastructure projects.
While most City Council members expressed support for the grants, some said the aid was too little, too late.
Gomez, who named Oscar’s after her late father and as a play on Oscar de la Renta, the late fashion designer, was initially hopeful that the grants could help her struggling business.
But soon, she found out that she doesn’t qualify. To be eligible for a grant, the business had to have been established before Jan. 1, 2021, and have revenue in 2020.
Those details were another blow to Gomez, who has poured her heart into Oscar’s, working 13-hour days to get the store up and running. She’s determined, though, to keep it afloat.
So on Sunday, she invited friends and neighbors to gather for a benefit featuring live music, food and art.
Angelica Ovalle of Jellsoval Art and Sean Garcia watch over her booth during a benefit Sunday to help raise funds for Oscar de la Tienda, an eclectic convenience store in the Alta Vista neighborhood that serves as a hub for other small businesses and local artists without brick and mortar shops of their own. Gomez said construction has severely impacted business and the store is “hanging on by a thread, operating at 25% of what average revenues should be.”
Robin Jerstad, San Antonio Express-News
‘An amazing spot’
Angelica Ovalle displayed a collection of resin art and earrings outside Oscar’s on Sunday afternoon. She started the collection about four years ago when she was in college at Texas State University.
She had never been to Oscar’s before Sunday. A friend messaged her about the event, and she decided to set up shop.
Instantly, she fell in love with the store’s vibe. Inside, there were a few rows of household grocery staples like noodles, soup and mac n’ cheese. The fridges were full of beer and refreshments. Paintings for sale by area artists sat atop the coolers.
“It’s a cute little store,” Ovalle said. “It’s sad because it’s such an amazing spot.”
Ben Ortiz, in a booth next to Ovalle, displayed a collection of paintings that showcase signs from landmarks around town — The Pearl, Ray’s, Mexican Manhattan.
Ortiz, born and raised in San Antonio, began displaying his art at Oscar’s around a year ago. He loves the environment that Gomez created with the store. He hopes the business will be able to survive.
“She stitched together an environment where everyone can feel welcome,” Ortiz said. “We need more of this. She’s bringing culture to the area.”
eeaton@express-news.net