Conveniently located in the shopping plaza across from ASNMSU Center for the Arts, a former Marine and his father set out to bring something fresh and new to New Mexico State University campus life. Two years ago, Blake DeLeon moved from Washington to Las Cruces with an innovative concept and a desire to introduce Las Crucean taste buds to new sensations.
“All those little mom-and-pop shops, like, it’s super popular in Washington, and, you know, we always thought it would do well down here in the [southwest] because no one does it and it’s something that we missed,” DeLeon said.
With a wide variety of fruity drink options, Spicy Bean customers can choose between 22 Red Bull and Italian soda combination drinks, 10 Lotus specialty drinks, and 10 lemonades. And, if you’re feeling peckish, Spicy Bean also sells warm food.
This father-son duo has found a way to bring a unique flavor to their drinks by using some of the family’s own chamoy brand, Chilaso, in certain specialty drinks and food.
“We decided to do it, you know, we made all of our own drinks, our lemonades, and we did fruit cups, you know, with our chamoy and everything,” DeLeon said.
Spicy Bean has been on University Avenue since May of this year, but what does the future of Spicy Bean look like? Well, for now, DeLeon would love to expand the business locally and grow as a part of New Mexico’s college life.
“We hope to provide jobs for students here and people that live here locally, and of course, you know, we hope to expand and just grow and see [Spicy Bean] operating smoothly as a business and to stay consistent. We hope to be a part of the community here, you know. And of course, that involves the university,” DeLeon said.
Bailey Blanchard has been working at Spicy Bean since it arrived in May and loves the interactions with people that she gets from her job.
“I’m a people person,” Blanchard said. “So just being able to interact with people and serve other people – and I’ve been a barista off and on the last few years – and so I just like the environment of it.”
Blanchard is not the only person to notice and appreciate the environment Spicy Bean has created.
Sage DeLeon prepares menu items from behind the counter of the Spicy Bean on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024. (Leah De La Torre)
Students Shaeann Ruybal and Angelina Macias heard about the shop through advertisements on social media.
“I like it,” Macias said. “I feel like it’s a good hangout place to do your work and stuff and just… chill.”
Ruybal also likes to bring friends because of the comfortable atmosphere and “snacky food” on the menu. She enjoys the quick and delicious items, like ramen or Hot Cheetos with cheese.
Spicy Bean is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day, except Sunday, and is located at 1001 E. University Ave. Suite B. A 10% discount is available to students with proof of ID, and deals on a new specialty drink are offered every week.
