San Antonio rallies to save iconic South Side record store

An outpouring of community support has put one of San Antonio’s most iconic vinyl shops back on deck. After being locked out of its longtime South Side home in May, Flip Side Record Parlor says it has paid all overdue rent and is now back open for business.

Roman Cuellar, Flip Side’s owner, says he got behind on rent following a steep rent hike. Although he claimed he was making partial payments, the landlord locked him out of the 840 SW Military Dr. space in late May with an ultimatum to pay in full.

“Right now, FSRP is going through an incredibly difficult financial crisis,” wrote Cuellar at the time. “I know many of us are feeling the squeeze of the current economy and rising costs of living, and it pains me to share that our shop is facing those same harsh realities.”

On Thursday, July 23, the situation had gotten worse. Cuellar took to social media, saying he needed to raise $8,000 by July 24 or the shop would be forced to close for good.

“Like many small businesses, the recent closure hit us incredibly hard,” wrote Cuellar on Facebook. “Because our doors were locked, we lost our income, which inevitably increased our amount due on back rent. We have been reaching out to many financial institutions for grants and loans, but to no avail."

Flip Side, which first opened in 1972, has had a turbulent decade. Former owner Clarisa Peña, a longtime employee who took over the reins after original owner Doug Lease’s death, lost her battle with colon cancer in 2020. At the time, her daughter, Jessica Erevia, told the San Antonio Current that she wasn’t sure if she wanted to keep the store open because it was no longer self-sustaining.

Ultimately, the keys went to another employee who had worked in the store since the ‘90s — Peña’s brother, Roman. Cuellar maintained the shop’s original character, including the burning incense that greeted customers at the door.

Cuellar did not share what steps he was taking to make sure Flip Side survives its next chapter, but the shop is wasting no time in reviving the community space. The shop is currently scouting local bands to play among the crates.