Nacogdoches Café Opens with Angelina College SBDC Support 

When Ryan Hairston set out to open a limited-service restaurant in downtown Nacogdoches, Texas, he had a strong vision — but no prior restaurant experience. Like many first-time entrepreneurs, Hairston quickly found himself navigating a maze of startup tasks, funding needs and operational questions. That’s when a lender referred him to the Angelina College Small Business Development Center (SBDC) — a partnership that helped turn his dream into a thriving business. 

From the start, his SBDC advisor, Cassandra Stokes, provided comprehensive, hands-on support. She guided Hairston through each step of the startup process, offering vital resources such as: 

• A business startup guide, registration assistance and targeted webinars
• Review and feedback on the business plan, financial projections and blueprints
• Industry research, HR checklists and hiring practices specific to Texas
• A restaurant startup checklist, menu design guidance and operational tools
• Support in budgeting, personnel planning, inventory and equipment sourcing
• Insights into POS systems, vendor connections and tax exemption strategies
• Post-opening walkthroughs and feedback on food quality, portioning and operations 

Thanks to this support, Hairston secured financing and hired 26 employees to bring Aperitivo Café to life. The restaurant officially opened Aug. 23, 2025, and the community response has been overwhelmingly positive.

Since opening, Aperitivo Café has been embraced by local residents. Sales are especially strong during special events and downtown gatherings, and online reviews consistently highlight the food, atmosphere and service.

Looking ahead, Hairston plans to expand marketing efforts and create new in-house events to engage and excite the community. His journey is a testament to how expert guidance and local support can empower even first-time business owners to succeed.