Jefferson Bodega, home to quirky snacks and block parties, closes

A beloved San Antonio convenience store has officially closed its doors.

Jefferson Bodega, the quirky West Side corner shop that specialized in imported snacks and had an even greater taste for the local arts and the community, announced its closure Wednesday on Facebook after about five years in business.

“It’s with both excitement and a touch of nostalgia that we announce the closure of Bodega,” the post read in part. “While this chapter may be drawing to a close, the memories we’ve created together will forever remain etched in our hearts.

“As we bid farewell to this beloved chapter,” the post concluded, “we embark on a new journey filled with hope, enthusiasm, and a wealth of fond memories. From the depths of our hearts, we extend our warmest wishes to you all. May your paths be strewn with happiness, success, and boundless joy.”

The post was signed Bodega Man and BodegaMa, aka husband and wife co-owners Luke and Lisa Horgan.

Jefferson Bodega all but ceased operations last year, only to last reopen in March for a one-day fundraiser to benefit a 15-yearold photographer and friend of the store named Zander, who suffered a life-threatening incident in February. At the time, Jefferson Bodega donated all proceeds from the sales of its remaining stock.

The atypical convenience store specialized in quirky snacks and libations. In addition to standard fare like Cheetos,

Cokes and Coors, Jefferson Bodega also sold treats with both global and local flavor, from Japanese Kit Kat bars and Alamo Candy Co. Mexican candies to Iron Maiden beer and San Antoniobased Buje lemonade.

The store’s reach extended well beyond its Jefferson High School neighborhood. The retailer hosted numerous outdoor markets and block parties with indie vendors, especially San Antonio area artists and artisans whose avant-garde wares fit right in with the store’s inviting counterculture.