A San Antonio coffee house known for its community spirit has closed less than a year after its debut. Retro Sips and Brews at 2214 N Zarzamora St. in Woodlawn says “family circumstances” forced the sudden shutdown.
Retro took over the checkered tiled storefront in May 2025, shortly after The Lemon Girls closed in April 2025. The shop’s owners, Maxine And Desiree Cofino, didn’t explain the reasoning behind the closure, but had previously asked for community support in weathering financial challenges like rising costs.
The found kindred spirits in Retro owners Shelley and Sarah Buchman, recent transplants to San Antonio. Although the beverage focus shifted from lemonade to coffee, the couple continued the former shop’s local focus with events like craft nights, workout classes, and local makers’ markets.
In addition to offering neighbors a chance to connect, Retro was also known for its community drives. The shop frequently rallied its customers to donate nonperishable foods, winter clothing, school supplies, and other necessities. Inside the shop, the Buchmans maintained a Little Free Library and a produce fridge that offered affordable ingredients in a food desert.
Retro is currently liquidating all of its inventory of kitchen equipment and store furnishings, but the Buchmans have not given up on showing up for their city. Despite the closure, the shop’s Facebook accounts are still amplifying a community clothing drive.
“We hope to somehow continue to do monthly drives to support our community,” says the shop in a direct message. “More to come.”