Green & White Grocery Designated A City Of Austin Historic Landmark
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HISTORY OF GREEN & WHITE GROCERY HERE
Preservation Austin Board Member JuanRaymon Rubio, Green & White Grocery Owner John Cazares, Jr., and City of Austin Historic Preservation Officer Kalan Contreras (Photo: Preservation Austin)
AUSTIN, TX (May 3, 2023) - Preservation Austin is thrilled to share that East Austin’s Green & White Grocery was officially designated a City of Austin Landmark at yesterday’s meeting of Austin City Council. From the store’s founding during segregation to its endurance in the face of gentrification and increased displacement, the story of Green & White Grocery is a testament to the resilience of Austin’s Mexican American community. Preservation Austin is proud to have supported this nomination with research and writing by Board Member JuanRaymon Rubio and Underrepresented Heritage Intern Matthew Medina. We join our community in celebrating this incredible preservation milestone for our city.
“I’m just glad the story is going to be there, not just for me and my family, but for my customers and the community on the East Side. There will be something familiar that keeps the memory going of what things were like.”
Green & White Grocery, 2022 (Photo: Preservation Austin)
“Shockingly few Mexican American landmarks are protected by historic zoning in Austin, and we’re committed to working with community partners to shift that status quo. Mr. Cazares has generously shared his family’s legacy as part of our East Austin Barrio Landmarks project, and during our inaugural Legacy Business Month last year. His stewardship sets a really powerful example for others to follow.”
Founded in the 1930s by Norverto and Susie Lopez, Green & White Grocery has been an East Austin institution for nearly a century. Initially a general store offering Mexican imports, it gained popularity for its tamales in the 1960s, drawing large crowds especially during the holidays. John Cazares Sr. took over after Norverto's death and was known for extending credit to community members and arranging deliveries for the elderly. Upon his retirement in 1993, the store passed to his son, John Cazares Jr., who transformed it into a botanica in 1996. Now specializing in promoting a healthy lifestyle with spiritual goods and herbal supplements, Green & White Grocery remains a cherished part of the community.
Preservation Austin has had the privilege of collaborating with Mr. Cazares on two recent initiatives. In 2022, Green & White Grocery was highlighted in the East Austin Barrio Landmarks Project honoring Austin’s Mexican American heritage. In 2023, Green & White participated in Legacy Business Month, celebrating iconic local businesses that define Austin’s culture. We are proud to partner with Mr. Cazares in this work and look forward to continuing our partnership in the many years to come.