Brownsville’s Búho bookstore readies for new Barnes & Noble — and welcomes the boost in readers
El Búho Bookstore & Café owner Gilbert Hernandez poses with one of the shop’s antique books in front of its signature book-stack Christmas tree display. Courtesy | El Búho Bookstore & Café

In a true story of David versus Goliath, a small independent Brownsville bookstore is bracing itself for the grand opening of behemoth Barnes & Noble on Wednesday.

Brownsville native Gilbert Hernandez, who owns Búho (rhymes with duo) located in downtown Brownsville, says he’s not too worried about the challenge.

Barnes & Noble prepares to open in Brownsville on Wednesday.
Photo Credit | Kristen Mosbrucker-Garza

“I welcome them into the city, knowing that it will help create more readers,” Hernandez said. “At the end of the day, Búho aims to provide a home to our customers, and people will flock to us for our curated selection of new books, our community events, our antique books and maps, and our upcoming coffee bar.”

Hernandez insisted that the coffee bar, expected to open in a month or so, was always part of the plan. 

Continue Reading

  • Free registration in just a minute
  • Unlock more free articles each month

This article is available to subscribers only. Sign up for free to continue reading.


Daily Business Update

Get the latest business news delivered to your inbox every morning for free.

    Unlock Premium

    Support independent journalism.

    $9.95/month

    $1/week

    Limited time offer

    Enjoy Unlimited articals, exclusive newsletters, and deep insights.


    * Billed monthly. Renewal at standard rate after the introductory period expires. Cancel anytime.

    Big retailers in Reynosa see early gains during Mexico’s Black Friday–style event, but downtown shops struggle as U.S. shoppers stay away

    November 14, 2025 • 4 min read

    Early crowds favored major retailers, leaving smaller businesses hoping the weekend rush will help close the gap.... Read more »

    Mission businesses can now apply for up to $15,000 in grant funding

    October 7, 2025 • 2 min read

    Mission EDC invests $225K to boost local entrepreneurship through Build Mission Fund, now in its third year.... Read more »