Revelle thanked Rizo for her entrepreneurial spirit and recognized the sacrifice involved in opening a small business in a small town. Stating that the Town of Murfreesboro appreciates Rizo and all she done, he then assisted in cutting the ribbon and proclaimed: “I declare that on this day, May 18, 2026, Juanita Su Tienda Hispana is officially open for business.”
Guests were then invited to tour the store and enjoy tacos and cupcakes in the parking lot adjacent to the store which had been set up as a picnic area. Approximately 150 people did so before the festivities wound down around 8 p.m.
Of special note were the many families present with ages ranging from babies in arms to grandparents. Insurance agent Cliff Forbes with the Murfreesboro Chamber commented that his children absolutely loved it as they do Maria Rizo. As Revelle had, Forbes described her as having an entrepreneurial spirit and noted how community oriented she is.
Open for business since March, the store has already proven to be very popular. In addition to the merchandise obtained from Purple Crow, periodically there are offerings of homemade bread and tortillas.
Alexis Rizo, who assists with the store, comments about the opportunity it has afforded him to meet so many different people with customers coming from Ahoskie, Conway, and Franklin.
Both Alexis and Maria speak of the inclusiveness of Murfreesboro and the family feeling of the customers. They consider themselves fortunate to be a part of such a community, but, as Williams and Forbes said, the community is fortunate to have them and the new business.
