Block by Block: Volume 1
I've come up with a plan, to visit every business in the shore and share my experiences. To put my plan in action I needed company and a writer, so I called my good friend Lisa Ramelow and said ... Let's Meet on 2nd Street!!
Join Lisa and I as we explore Belmont Shore Block by Block!
- Heather Kern, Executive Director BSBA
Block By Block; Volume 1 - Quincy to Roycroft - south
Written by Lisa Ramelow
It’s happening!
Here is the first installment of the brand new Belmont Shore series that will highlight the businesses in each block, as Heather Kern and I explore Belmont Shore, BLOCK BY BLOCK.
On our first outing, we began at the far west end of Belmont Shore, on the southside of the street. This is the first block one encounters when driving on Ocean Blvd. away from downtown, and then veering left onto Livingston Drive.
Suddenly you get to a 5-way signal, and what lies in front of you?
Belmont Shore!
The first block of the Shore is going through quite a renaissance of change – there are a few new businesses being developed that will open soon.
But, in the meantime, we checked a couple that are there now.
First up, Kiwi Nails.
Heather and I walked in, and they were immediately able to accommodate us – no appointment necessary. (I love that – I can’t stand making appointments!)
Next up we headed to Sheldrake’s Coffee Roasting, which was known as Polly’s for many years.
The owner, Mike Sheldrake, was part of the Polly family who own many restaurants in Southern California, so he first chose that for the name of his coffee shop he opened in 1976.
Polly’s was doing well for many years, and then suddenly faced a “David and Goliath” fight when Starbucks moved in one block down the street.
How could Polly’s survive the challenge of such a behemoth?
Well, Mike hired a man named Bob Phibbs, who dubbed himself “The Retail Doctor.” Mike asked Bob to come up with a few ideas or suggestions.
Bob soon returned with a list of 85 things he needed to change to be successful. Mike decided to go for it and give it a whirl.
Mike explained that first on the list was that employees needed to be taught and shown how giving away a pastry or a coffee here and there, added up to a lot, and could cause a business to fail.
He also provided a loyalty program for the community to incentivize them to return over and over again.
And most of all, he said, he provided the very best product.
What a wonderful afternoon we spent getting to know these first businesses. I was struck with a myriad of emotions: excitement about learning the history of the business, humility in seeing the perseverance and hard work of the owner to conquer their challenges, and pride in seeing the adoration they have for their businesses.
We'll be heading back when new coming businesses open. I can't wait!
Take the challenge and tag us @belmontshorelb in your stories.
Addresses and websites of locations we visited including a full directory of the businesses on this block.
Directory of the 4600 Block - South
4600 E. 2nd Street - The Win~Dow - coming soon!!
4606 E. 2nd Street - Sheldrake Coffee Roasting
4610 E. 2nd Street - Supercuts
4612 E. 2nd Street - Sweetfin Poke - coming soon!!
4612 E. 2nd Street - Kiwi Nails (on the side, along Roycroft)
Heather Kern, Executive Director Belmont Shore Business Association and Lisa Ramelow, former Owner/Operator of LaStrada Restaurant in Belmont Shore.
I looked over and saw Judy Ross at the nail bar, and introduced her to Heather. I used to babysit Judy’s kids starting when I was 12-years-old, when we both lived on Covina Ave., back in the 70’s (BTW, her kids always said I was their favorite babysitter).
Heather and I went over to pick out our nail color choices, but after we saw how beautiful Judy’s nails turned out, we decided to copy her – it was called “Chrome” and is apparently the newest trend.
We loved how our nails turned out!
But what I loved even more was learning about this business and how it came to fruition.
Every employee we talked to said they had been there 11 years, starting from the very day that it had opened. No one had ever left.
And why was that?
They all said it was because of the owner, Shadden, that she was the best boss they had ever had.
“She will do anything and everything to help us,” said manager Lyni.
“When we needed an upgraded computer system she bought it immediately.
She always put herself second.”
Shadden had come to Long Beach to go to college, and fell in love with the Belmont Shore area. It was her dream to own a business there.
She did not have a specific business in mind, but did some research and decided on a nail salon. She has since had 3 little boys who she stops by with about twice a week.
The energy in Kiwi Nails was so peaceful and felt like family.
Mike Sheldrake owner and operator of Sheldrakes Coffee since 1976
Next up – Block 2: Southside, Roycroft Ave. to Park Ave.
Friends Richard Shimizu and Mady joined our tour for coffee and lots of laughs!