News Summary
San Antonio recently held the 2025 South Texas Summit, uniting business leaders to discuss future growth in the region. The event, organized by the South Texas Business Partnership, aimed to strengthen connections among entrepreneurs in the South Texas Triangle, with a strategic focus on the rapidly growing Rio Grande Valley. Notable developments, such as the expansion of Dutch Bros Coffee, highlight the area’s economic potential. Despite some recent challenges, the overall outlook for South Texas remains positive as leaders collaborate to foster business growth.
South Texas
The South Texas Business Partnership (STBP) hosted the 2025 South Texas Summit on June 9, 2025, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton San Antonio Brooks Hotel & Spa. This event brought together business leaders from the South Texas Triangle region, which includes South San Antonio, Laredo, the Rio Grande Valley, and the Coastal Bend. With a mission to foster regional growth and collaboration, STBP seeks to enhance its influence, particularly in the Rio Grande Valley, as expressed by the organization’s president and CEO, Rebecca J. Viagran.
STBP Rebranding and Mission
Previously known as the South San Antonio Chamber, the STBP rebranded in 2022 to better address the needs and opportunities of businesses in the South Texas Triangle. The rebranding was a strategic decision aimed at positioning the organization as a key player in the economic development of the region. Through various initiatives, STBP aims to unite local business leaders and provide them with resources to foster growth and collaboration.
Focus on the Rio Grande Valley
During discussions following the summit, Viagran highlighted the importance of increasing STBP’s footprint in the Rio Grande Valley. The Valley is emerging as a critical area for business expansion, evidenced by the recent success of national brands such as Dutch Bros Coffee. As the region continues to attract attention from investors and new businesses, STBP aims to facilitate connections and support local entrepreneurs in their growth journeys.
Dutch Bros Coffee’s Local Presence
As of June 2025, Dutch Bros Coffee has established a significant presence in the Rio Grande Valley, operating 12 locations across various cities including Rio Grande City, Mission, San Juan, and McAllen. The drive-thru coffee chain, which reached the milestone of 1,000 stores in February 2024, has ambitious plans to expand to 2,029 shops by 2029 and a target of 7,000 locations nationwide.
Rapid Expansion of Dutch Bros
Since its public debut in 2021, Dutch Bros has experienced substantial growth, averaging the opening of at least 30 new locations each quarter. The company has developed a leadership pipeline designed to cultivate talent, with over 450 operator candidates actively participating. Each candidate averages more than seven years of industry experience, showcasing the company’s commitment to quality service and effective management.
Infrastructure and Development
In response to its rapid expansion, Dutch Bros has augmented its real estate and construction teams. In 2024, they hired Brian Cahoe, a former chief development officer at KFC, to assist with site development and planning for future locations. This strategic move is aimed at ensuring that new stores are effectively positioned and fully operational to meet the growing demand in the regions they serve.
Law Enforcement Operations
Separately, law enforcement activity in the Rio Grande Valley led to five arrests when ICE agents conducted operations at three sexually oriented businesses in the area. These operations were executed in collaboration with local and federal law enforcement agencies. Further details regarding the identities of those detained and the specific charges involved have not yet been disclosed, as the investigation remains ongoing.
Conclusion
The STBP’s efforts to enhance regional business collaboration and growth, especially in the Rio Grande Valley, come at a time when the area is seeing increasing interest from outside investors and national brands. The continuing partnership between local businesses and organizations like STBP is critical for driving economic development in South Texas.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Rio Grande Guardian: Introducing the South Texas Business Partnership
- Wikipedia: South Texas
- Texas Border Business: Dutch Bros Expands in the Rio Grande Valley
- Google Search: Dutch Bros Coffee expansion
- KRGV: ICE – 5 Arrested at Sexually Oriented Businesses in Harlingen
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration Law
- MyRGV: Cameron County Residents Win Big in Small Business Administration Awards
- Google News: Cameron County business awards
