Over the years, the coffee scene in the RGV has grown into a highly sought-after market for coffee enthusiasts. Among these local coffee shops, there is one that has become a staple for the residents of McAllen and its neighboring cities.
Walking into Moonbeans Coffee, there is an immediate greeting of the pleasant aromas of freshly roasted coffee. This family business celebrates 20 successful years of service and dedication to their craft this year.
Owner Luis Beltran established this coffee shop in 1999 with two goals in mind. “The first, to provide a space for getting together with friends and family and feel at home. The second reason was to provide the highest quality of coffees available, and to handcraft each coffee for [an] individual coffee experience.”
People love coffee almost as much as they love to post photos of their coffee on social media. Beltran’s eldest son has learned this firsthand. Moonbeans Coffee cashier Emilio Beltran has recently been assisting the business with their marketing. He gives a behind-the-scenes glimpse into what they’re all about.
Loyalty throughout the years
Moonbeans takes great pride in being a part of a tight-knit small-business community. They proudly distribute their unique coffee beans to several local businesses in the area such as Salomé on Main and Grindstone Coworking.
“Our coffees are sourced with one thing in mind — our customers,” says Beltran. “We look for coffees that we feel will live up to the high standards you have come to expect of us here at Moonbeans Coffee.”
Moonbeans is known primarily for roasting all of their coffee beans in house. It’s easy to see that their product truly brings forth the most loyal of customers. Some of their current customer base still dates back to the shop’s very first year. New faces continue to walk through their door every single day.
Registered nurse and frequent customer Krisna Cavazos recalls going to Moonbeans Coffee to study during her academic career. “I started going to Moonbeans around five years ago which is when I started the nursing program. It’s a great environment to go study at whether you’re alone or with a group,” she says. “Now I have my nursing career, and though I don’t have tests to study for, I continue to go back to catch up with friends over a cup of their delicious coffee.”
In addition to serving up all kinds of espresso-based classics such as lattes, cappuccinos and Americanos, they do have coffee-free drinks available as well. Some of their famous non-coffee drinks are their chai tea, which can be hot or served over ice. There is also the Oreo Orbit, which is essentially an Oreo shake that is perfect during the hot summer months.