The Lemon Girls2214 N Zarzamora St. The Lemon Girls juice shop was among last year’s recipients for “Queer to Stay,” a business development grant by the Human Rights Campaign. However, it wasn’t enough to keep the lights on for the business. Credit: Instagram / @TheLemonGirlsSATX
The Lemon Girls, a tropical-juice business in San Antonio owned by a lesbian Latina couple, is going out of business — even after winning a grant in December to help keep the lights on.

Located at 2214 N. Zarzamora, the Lemon Girls serves up fresh lemonade, juices and coffee. Married owners Maxine and Desirée Cofino started the brick-and-mortar store in 2023 after selling their tropical concoctions at local markets.

The shop announced its impending closure in a Tuesday Facebook post, saying its last day of service will be April 26. After that, Retro Sips & Brews will take over the space. In a reply to a comment, Lemon Girls owners said they don’t plan to return to vending at markets after the closure.

The Lemon Girls’ owners were unavailable for comment at press time Wednesday. 
In December, the Cofinos’ venture was one of 30 nationally to win one of the Human Rights Campaign’s 2024 “Queer to Stay” Grants, an initiative to preserve LGBTQIA-owned small businesses. Though HRC didn’t reveal the size of the Lemon Girls’ grant, an official confirmed that it was a five-figure total.

The couple found out they were recipients after struggling through a slow winter. Indeed, they put out a public call for support a few days earlier.

“It couldn’t have come at a better time,” Maxine Cofino told the Current about the grant late last year. “But we still need community support to keep us going.”

The cafe also served as a hub for community gatherings, from Stitch & Bitch events to poetry readings, HOA meetings, open mics and more.

Many who commented on the Lemon Girls’ Facebook announcement said the business felt like a safe space in an increasingly hostile climate.
“I’m going to miss your sweet treats and warm smiles, but most of all, I’ll miss the sense of community you’ve created,” Annabel Gonzalez posted. “You’ve been a haven for so many of us, and I’m so grateful to have been a part of it.”
Replying to Gonzalez’s comment, Retro Sips & Brews’ owner said, “My wife & I really hope to continue to provide a safe space for all along with some amazing sweet treats.”

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This article appears in Apr 2-15, 2025.

Stephanie Koithan is the Digital Content Editor of the San Antonio Current. In her role, she writes about politics, music, art, culture and food. Send her a tip at skoithan@sacurrent.com.