Gilberto De Hoyos and his son, Gilbert De Hoyos Jr., are the duo behind Barrio Barista, a coffee shop in San Antonio’s West Side. As the name suggests, barrio means neighborhood in English, serving the community where they grew up and feel at home is one of the founding concepts of the café. According to the De Hoyos, “bonding with people is the key to success and coffee is the best way to do that.”
Barrio Barista is located in a building passed down to Gilbert by his father, and he hopes the shop and his family’s future generations will continue to serve the community he knows and loves. Though this neighborhood staple is famous for its hochata latte, mazapan, barbacoa grilled cheese with avocado, and an array of health friendly options, their services extend beyond providing great food for its community. The father-son team partners with the culinary department at a local high school to help students run the in- school coffee shop, and further enhance their learning by interning at Barrio Barista as well.
Gilberto was first introduced to LiftFund a few years ago, and credits the organization for keeping his business afloat during the pandemic. Besides the crucial funding, he values the personalized connections he formed with the LiftFund team.
Gilbert is proud to serve and uplift his community, a passion he is able to further with his business. He has plans to introduce other healthy and organic drink options, like cold pressed juices, to foster healthy eating habits and better the health of people in this community.
