Olaf Growald
It was something like serendipity when Coyt Caffey and Bobby Wilson met while working at a skate shop in Arlington, bonding over not just boards and flip tricks but a coincidental fact: They both share the same birthday — July 14.
And what’s more, when the two decided to open a skate shop of their own on Magnolia Avenue, its grand opening just happened to coincide with that particular date.
“This wasn’t planned, but we signed the lease for this place in June,” Wilson says. “By the time we finished building everything in here, we wanted to open up on a weekend — like on a Saturday, have our grand opening party. The next Saturday happened to be our birthday, so we opened the shop … So, us and the shop, we all share the same birthday.”
Now, about eight years into friendship and three years into being business partners, the two admit they’re not exempt from butting heads once in a while, but it’s all only made the shop better. Caffey and Wilson take pride in their shop’s intentional efforts to connect with the community, whether it’s helping beginner skaters get their first board, showcasing local artists, or participating in Near Southside events like Open Streets. (John Shea, who helped spearhead Open Streets, also works for the shop.)
Bobby and Coyt take pride in their artist-designed skateboard decks. Here are a few of their favorites. L-R: Jeremy Joel, John Shea, Anthony Padilla, Nick Dennison, Isiac Rameriz
This year, they’re looking to make an even bigger impact through an amenity the neighborhood hasn’t had before — its very own skate park, part of an expansion of Fire Station Park at Hemphill Street and West Maddox Avenue. Magnolia Skate Shop is leading efforts with economic development nonprofit Near Southside, Inc., to raise funds for the approximately $1.6 million project, for which the city promises to match up to $600,000 based on how much the community raises. Designer New Line Skateparks consulted with Magnolia Skate Shop for the park’s design, which will opt for a more flexible, plaza-style look over traditional, pool-like bowls. Construction is expected to begin in early 2022.
“This is for the community, by the community,” Caffey says. “[Magnolia Skate Shop] is a part of the culture. It’s more than just a retail shop.”
1 of 7
Pete Villarreal
Bobby performing a kickflip beside a bridge.
2 of 7
Pete Villarreal
Just Bobby
3 of 7
Pete Villarreal
Just a casual stroll by the highway.
4 of 7
Pete Villarreal
Chilling with beers.
5 of 7
Pete Villarreal
Coyt often films other skaters.
6 of 7
Will McCarthy
Coyt, backside boneless.
7 of 7
A backside tailslide, performed by Coyt.
