Three veterans open Bastrop businesses
Jorge Jimenez, John Formica, and Lance Bondy launched coffee, wine, and hospitality ventures in the area between January and April.
By Giulia Marshall ·
Residents in west Bastrop County gained access to three new veteran-owned establishments this year. The businesses opened in stages between January and April, expanding local dining and beverage options.
Jorge Jimenez, a former Army specialist in the 4th Infantry Division, opened Jaguar Brew Coffee in April. The coffee truck serves handcrafted drinks, including lattes, cold brew, matcha, and pastries. Jimenez described the move from military service to business ownership as challenging but rewarding. He said he is grateful to serve the community in a new capacity.
John Wayne Formica, a Bastrop resident and former Army specialist in the 82nd Airborne Division, launched Pluto’s Wine Bar in January. Formica has a background in French cuisine. The bar offers wines by the glass or bottle, a seasonal menu, and educational tastings. He started the business with support from his family.
Lance Bondy, a retired Army captain from the 24th Military Intelligence Battalion, opened Frontier Cellars in March. Bondy spent approximately three years converting a 73-acre property in Smithville into a winery. The tasting room features indoor and outdoor seating overlooking a two-acre lake. The wines use exclusively Texas-grown grapes. Guests can order Neapolitan-style flatbreads, herbed cheese spreads, and charcuterie.
Frontier Cellars has received recent recognition for its products. The 2022 Big Red and 2024 Pétillant Naturel won medals at the 2026 Finger Lakes International Wine and Spirits Competition.
More Business · Customer Complaints · Report a business · Got a Story?
