A Texan Tradition: Amols' and Broadway Bank Join Forces to Bring Celebrations to Life
In downtown San Antonio, Texas, a family-owned party store named Amols' stands proudly on the corner of Fredericksburg Road and Culebra Road in a vibrant purple and lime green building. Once inside, customers find endless aisles and shelves of decorations, pinatas, paper flowers, props and more, all categorized by holiday and themes. Owned and operated by Jeffrey Weiss, this 74-year-old family-owned business has deep roots in the community, serving as a one-stop shop for all things related to festivities. The Amols' story is one of entrepreneurship, family tradition and the unwavering support of a trusted financial partner, Broadway Bank.
The story of Amols' began decades ago when a spirited Julian Amols had a vision. Growing up during the Great Depression, Julian realized that even in the darkest of economic times, families would still manage to celebrate important holidays and milestones in whatever way they could. While considering what he wanted to do with this life, he knew he wanted to help put smiles on peoples’ faces. Julian harnessed his strong work ethic and his love for vibrant celebrations into a business plan. In 1949, he opened Amols' as a small party store at their first location on North Saint Mary’s Street, specializing in party supplies from Mexico and Latin America. He quickly outgrew the little shop, moving twice more during the next ten years before settling on South Flores Street, where he remained for 55 years. What started as a humble endeavor soon blossomed into an iconic establishment in San Antonio, a place where families could find everything they needed to make their celebrations special.
Jeffrey grew up watching his grandparents and parents support the business and tirelessly serve the community, and it was no surprise that he carried the torch forward. His inspiration was simple: "We wanted to be the one place you could go for all your party needs, no matter what the celebration." Amols' soon expanded its offerings, becoming a treasure trove of costumes, decorations and unique items that could turn any gathering into a memorable event. They established an online business as well to serve customers outside of San Antonio. In 2018, needing more space to effectively serve customers across the United States, they relocated to their current location on the corner of Fredericksburg Road and Culebra Road in the Five Points neighborhood of San Antonio.
Entrepreneurship runs deep in the Weiss family's veins. Jeffrey's drive to succeed and his dedication to preserving the family legacy are evident in every corner of the store. But, like any entrepreneur, Jeffrey faced his share of challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Over the span of two years, Jeffrey and his team did everything they could to stay in business and continue bringing smiles to peoples’ faces.
In 2021, he found himself in a financial predicament, struggling with another bank that failed to understand his needs. It was during this time that a good friend and fellow Broadway Bank customer recommended he reach out to them.
Jeffrey made the call. From the very first conversation, he knew he had found a financial partner that was focused on helping him succeed. Broadway Bank, a trusted institution that proudly supports Texas businesses, immediately prioritized his needs. Locally based Broadway Bankers understood his situation and worked diligently to help him find solutions.
Jeffrey was amazed by the level of personal attention he received. "Any time I pick up the phone, I’m always talking to a person – at Broadway – in San Antonio," he noted. Broadway Bank had taken the time to understand the unique challenges and opportunities that Amols' faced. Jeffrey's dedicated banker even made several visits to the store, demonstrating how deeply invested they were in the relationship.
Broadway Bank not only solved Jeffrey's immediate financial challenges but also charted a path for the future. "I would highly encourage anyone I know, a friend, anyone starting a new business, or anyone having challenges with their existing bank to give Broadway Bank a call," he said, reflecting on his experience. It was a testament to the personalized service and support that Broadway Bank provided to Amols'.
"We're immensely proud to partner with Jeffrey and Amols’. Supporting local establishments within the communities we serve is important to Broadway Bank, as we are a Texas-based institution,” said Curt Conroy, SVP, Commercial Banking Team Lead at Broadway Bank. “We are a Texas bank supporting Texas businesses, and that has remained part of our mission for more than 82 years. When you bank with Broadway, you get a team of local experts who are dedicated to your success. And in this case with Jeffrey, we were so pleased to answer his call that day and continue answering his calls whenever he needs us. We look forward to supporting Amols' for many years to come because they are a true asset to our city."
Today, Amols' continues to flourish as a vibrant hub for all things party-related, serving families in Texas and beyond. Jeffrey Weiss and his team remain dedicated to their original vision, offering a wide range of celebration supplies and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere that brings joy to every customer.
Broadway Bank's unwavering support allowed Amols' to keep doing what they do best – providing a store where celebrations can be brought to life. This partnership not only reinforces the success of Amols' but also highlights the power of Texas businesses supporting one another.
In San Antonio, Amols' stands as a testament to the enduring power of family, tradition and entrepreneurship. And, thanks to the unwavering support of Broadway Bank, the party never stops.
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