There’s a hidden gem in Downtown El Paso that not only serves some delicious Panini’s, it’s also a place where friends can connect and the best part? It’s family owned and family grown.
Nini’s Bodega, which is located right on the corner of Texas St. & Florence in Downtown El Paso is a place where paninis are crafted with love and community connections are served with sides of smiles. This bodega has become a vibrant slice of downtown El Paso that redefines convenience, flavor, and family values.
Jen is the general manager at Nini’s Bodega, and she’s in charge of daily operations, which include prepping the sandwiches and making sure that they are prepared for the day’s needs.
This family run bodega came to life thanks to Jen’s brother, Angel Rana who is the owner of Nini’s Bodega.
“So my brother is the genius behind this entire bodega. He has always been fascinated with the New York scene as far as their bodegas out there so he kind of wanted to bring that change here at El Paso and bring something different,” said Jen. “I am the general manager and our mom helps us in the kitchen. It’s a family-run business, we are just showing up every day and trying to make good food for our good people, here in El Paso,” said Jen.
For Jen, her mom, and her brother Angel, bringing something new and different to their hometown was very important to them and they take pride in
“We got the name “Ninis’ from the sandwiches we serve. We serve delicious sandwiches, chicken chipotle, turkey pesto, pizza paninis, it’s in the name. That’s what we are all about at Ninis.” said Jen.
Opening up Nini’s Bodega was something the family wanted to do for a while now, but unfortunately they had to put this new business on pause.
“We had a setback and my brother was diagnosed with a spinal tumor and we had to get his health in order first,” said Jen.
She mentioned that it was a huge process to make the idea of the bodega a reality but that she and her family are very much grateful and appreciative for the support from the community and are happy with the way things turned out.
“We have been able to overcome his illness and it’s making his dreams come true. I am very happy to be part of it,” said Jen. “It’s very inspiring, it’s awesome, and it’s just awesome to be able to do that here in El Paso, our hometown where we are natively supported and raised. It’s an important thing here at Ninis and we are happy to be part of the El Paso culture.” said Jen.
Nini’s was officially opened back on March 17, 2023. Since then Nini’s has been trying its best to serve the community and welcome many more to their bodega.
Jen and her family at Nini’s enjoy having very memorable moments with the customers and some end up becoming regulars.
“So a lot of the city workers and a lot of our federal court Operators say all of the convenience of Nini’s being so close to them,” said Jen.”The customers also love the fact that we deliver within our downtown areas alone and they’re constantly just asking when we’re going to add new items to the menu there and are currently asking if we’re going to be on food delivery services.”
Jen has some advice to other Mija’s and Mijo’s who are considering opening a business:
“To all my Mijas out there please stay inspired please stay motivated you can do it we can do it there’s help out here and just stay inspired follow your dreams and just give it your all and just show up and try your best.”
Mija, Yes you can. 