The Journal was on site to capture the moment when co-owner Alexandra Zevallos officially cut the red ribbon for her store, Inkazteca.

Inkazteca Holds Ribbon Cutting in Covington By Jennifer Bailey Staff Writer Covington, VA (May 2, 2025)— At 11:30 a.m. Friday morning, the owners of Inkazteca, which is a "Tienda Latina" (Latin store), held a ribbon-cutting event following a month-long soft opening. Readers may recall our recent visit to the establishment on March 21 when we interviewed one of the owners, Ruben Cossyleon. If the name sounds familiar, it is perhaps because Cossyleon owns the popular Mexican eatery on Main Street, "Casa De Leones" (House of Lions). With his restaurant a roaring success, it perhaps comes as no surprise that he's now ready to venture on his second family-owned business in Covington. Located at 103 Maple Avenue, right next to the "Hot Dog House," Cossyleon co-owns the business alongside his girlfriend, Alexandra Zevallos, Zevallos' mother, Yovalina Flores, and Zevallos' aunt, Zuleika Chahua. Several locals spoke at the ribbon-cutting event including: Josh Taylor, Executive Director of the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism; Jon Fitzgerald, President of the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors; Fred Forbes III, Vice-Mayor of the City of Covington, Jeff Irvine, Mayor of Clifton Forge; Matt Garten, Alleghany County Board of Supervisors; Tyler Sizemore, Deputy Director of Alleghany Highlands Economic Development Corporation; co-owner Alexandra Zevallos; co-owner Zuleika Chahua; and Jeffrey Chahua. "I don't have no words for how grateful I am to be here in this beautiful town, Covington. It has a place in my heart," Zevallos said. "We are so thankful for all the support that we have this few months." In a past interview with Ruben Cossyleon, the co-owner shared the store would have all-Latin products which would be shipped in from the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Peru, and Puerto Rico, and would be featuring items not found in local grocery stores. Cossyleon also stated in that interview that, "Covington is a beautiful town" and "we're excited to be part of the [business] growth."

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