For a long time, Texarkana's small community of home brewers has been ordering brewing supplies or traveling to find them. Francisco "Pancho" Lozano intends to change that.
"I got into the home brewing hobby in 2005 when my wife bought me a Mr. Beer kit," he said. "I have not stopped brewing since then, moving from kits to syrups and now grains."
Lozano has a background in chemistry, which pairs well with the hobby.
"I got a chemistry degree as well as an MBA from the University of Texas at San Antonio," he said. "I have been in the pharmaceutical quality assurance and regulatory affairs field for the past 25 or so years. This year, due to unforeseen circumstances, I decided to open this business."
Lozano didn't take well to being unemployed, but after spending some time in contemplation and prayer, he formed a clear idea of what to do.
"I had the idea in my mind for a couple of years, but it was that moment that gave me that direction. Once I decided that was the direction, putting it together took about three weeks."
When searching for a location, he found an unusual looking building at 3427 New Boston Road.
"According to Google, it is called the Akin Church," he said. "Also, at one point, it was a meat packer's business." Searching Akin Church on Google, however, gives an address on the side street.
It now supplies local brewers, as well as wine- and mead-makers. He plans to open in the next month or so.
"It is the only store of its type in Texarkana and Northeast Texas," he said. "Previously, brewers and vinters had to go to Shreveport (La.) for supplies."