COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS — We've talked about businesses closing their doors temporarily, even some for good, during the pandemic.
But unknown economic challenges over the last year hasn't deterred all entrepreneurs from pursuing their dreams, including Floyd Raven.
A line could be seen out of the door waiting for College Station's newest coffee shop, Last Shot Xpresso, to open for the first time.
"As students, we always try to support the local businesses more than just the chains around College Station. So it's really cool to be here at a local business that is Aggie owned and operated, so we are really excited," said Megan Ging, a Texas A&M student who was a guest at the grand opening on Saturday.
The new cafe is Aggie owned and operated by former A&M football player Floyd Raven.
Raven was on the Aggie squad from 2011-2014 before moving to the NFL and seeing action with the Cincinnati Bengals and the New England Patriots.
Raven says planting business roots in Aggieland is something special.
"Honestly it's fantastic because it's family coming to buy. Everyone coming through the drive-thru knows you, so it's hugs and kisses and great laughs," said Raven, CEO and co-owner of Last Shot Xpresso.
Last Shot Xpresso is sold at the Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center, on the Texas A&M University System's RELLIS campus, and now at their very first store front in College Station which includes a drive-thru.
On Saturday, former A&M teammates and current NFL players stopped by to show their support by signing new Xpresso stickers, including Mike Evans, Deshazor Everett and Ricky Seals-Jones.
"Oh, that's mandatory. I think that is one of things where that brotherhood and that bond comes in. It's something I would do as well. We are looking at expanding in the future as well and having guys like that to be on board would be great. Having them come and see how this thing is going is a great thing," Raven said.
"I just hope that his hard work doesn't go unnoticed, I'm sure it won't. He's been working really hard at this and I'm sure it will be real successful," said Mike Evans, Super Bowl LV Champion, former A&M teammate and friend of Raven.
Evans was one of the few current NFL players and former A&M Aggies who stopped by to show their support.
Evans says the Aggie community welcomes everyone with open arms.
"I love Aggieland to death. I miss it all the time. Tampa is great, but I miss Aggieland everyday. The people here have been so supportive while we are here and post career and it means a lot," Evans added.
Raven says their mission isn't just to sell coffee, but to create relationships while providing a product they are proud of.
Raven also says the story behind the business logo is personal.
"Based on the biblical story of David and Goliath and just being tenacious. Having that grind and going out there and chasing our dream and making it happen," Raven said.
Raven says he may expand in the future, but for now, he's just putting one foot in front of the other with his new shop.
Last Shot Xpresso is located at 4461 Highway 6 South in Ste 200 in South College Station and will be open Monday through Friday 5am until 10pm.
The drink menu includes, Game Booster Refreshers, Teas, Gameday Lattes, Last Shot Frappes and more. They also offer food including flats, power bowls and pastries.