Three Bastrop County veterans are reshaping the local hospitality scene with new, veteran‑owned establishments that blend quality, service, and community spirit.
Jaguar Brew Coffee – a veteran‑run coffee truck
Jorge Jimenez, a former Army specialist with the 4th Infantry Division, launched Jaguar Brew Coffee in April. The coffee truck, based in west Bastrop County, serves handcrafted espresso‑based drinks, cold brew, matcha, and a selection of pastries. Jimenez told Community Impact that transitioning from military life to small‑business ownership has been “quite the journey,” but he feels “incredibly grateful to now serve my community in a different way.”
Pluto’s Wine Bar – classic French cuisine meets local wines
Bastrop resident John Wayne Formica, also a former Army specialist from the 82nd Airborne Division, opened Pluto’s Wine Bar in January with the support of his family. A classically trained chef in French cuisine, Formica offers a curated wine list by the glass or bottle, a seasonal chef‑driven menu, educational tastings, and themed events that aim to bring residents together over quality food and drink.
Frontier Cellars – a Texas‑grown winery on a Smithville lake
Retired Army captain Lance Bondy, formerly of the 24th Military Intelligence Battalion, spent roughly three years converting a 73‑acre property in Smithville into a winery and tasting room, which opened in March. The tasting room overlooks a two‑acre lake and provides indoor and outdoor seating. Frontier Cellars produces wines exclusively from Texas‑grown grapes, and guests can enjoy small bites such as Neapolitan‑style flatbreads, herbed cheese spreads, and charcuterie.
Since opening, Frontier Cellars has earned recognition for its wines. Its 2022 “Big Red” and 2024 “Pétillant Naturel” both received medals at the 2026 Finger Lakes International Wine and Spirits Competition, highlighting the quality of Texas‑grown vintages.
Community impact and veteran support
All three entrepreneurs emphasize the importance of giving back to the community that supported their transition from service to civilian life. By creating gathering places that offer locally sourced beverages and food, they provide jobs, foster local tourism, and reinforce the tradition of service that defines Bastrop County’s veteran population.
These ventures also illustrate how veteran skills—discipline, leadership, and a commitment to excellence—translate into successful small businesses that enrich the local economy and strengthen community bonds.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Austin — read the source article.
