A slew of new businesses are popping up around Bixby Knolls, many of which will bring with them a touch of artisanship. From craft brews, to gourmet ice cream, to nutritious pet food, giving the area’s residents more consumer power.
Coming soon
Beer enthusiasts will welcome three new craft-brew-friendly establishments: Dutch’s Brewhouse, Stateside Crafts and Weiland’s Brewery all plan to open soon.
“It’s interesting that the craft brewery thing is working its way up here,” said Blair Cohn, executive director of Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association.
Stateside Crafts, a craft beer shop and tasting room, will move into the 4200 block of Atlantic Avenue in August.
Dutch’s Brewhouse, a brewpub, will move in next door, and the owners are currently in the process of applying for a liquor license.
Little Tokyo’s Weiland Brewery will also move into the area, after a $1.37-billion Metropolitan Transportation Authority light-rail project displaced the establishment.
Long Beach Creamery, a gourmet ice-cream shop, has also been scouting locations in Bixby Knolls.
Brand-new businesses
“Auntie Lucy,” whose pet-feed business recently moved into Bixby Knolls, says her neighbors have been very welcoming.“I feel like I’m home,” she said. “I know I’m going to do well here. We’re all working together, and now we feel like the block is complete.”
Auntie Lucy’s Pet Feed moved in this week at 4125 Long Beach Blvd. Owner Lucia Rodriguez used to manage Pet Food Warehouse before the company closed down.
“One day they said the warehouse is closing down, and now here I am,” Rodriguez said. “I am so blessed.”
For “Auntie Lucy,” the pet-food business is a passion.
“I think it’s very important to be the voice for our four-legged friends,” Rodriguez said. “I don’t compromise my babies’ nutrition.”
The animal lover said she has been looking for a location in Bixby Knolls because she loves the community.
“My surrounding neighbors have been nothing but welcoming,” Rodriguez said. “I feel like I’m home. I know
I’m going to do well here. We’re all working together, and now we feel like the block is complete. Let’s see what happens.”
“I would say we’re a little more unique than the average teriyaki joint,” manager Nicholas Presutto said. “We hear that our sauces are really unique, the chicken is really tender, the food is good and the customer service is phenomenal. We are really passionate about what we do here.”
There are two additional locations of the Japanese chain in Gardena and Aliso Viejo.
“I think this location hit right on the money,” Presutto said. “We are a good fit for the demographic here.”
“Downtown Long Beach has been moving away from a retail atmosphere,” Lee said. “We have been waiting for a location to open up in Bixby Knolls. There is a lot of community spirit, and it’s a business-friendly atmosphere. It’s a nice little area to move into.”
Around town
Cohn said that the BKBIA has been brainstorming new projects to help promote the area’s businesses.
The neighborhood’s Concerts in the Park(ing Lot) will expand to include a local farmers market starting Monday, June 16.
“We want to keep it really Bixby Knolls-centric with local bread bakers and beekeepers,” Cohn said. “It’s all about promoting the neighborhood.”
BKBIA will also work to continue façade and landscaping improvements. A new coat of eye-catching paint for the Expo Center is also planned.
“We want to make it look cool,” Cohn said. “When you go to a museum, the building stands out. We want that here, so people recognize the Expo Center.”
Cohn said he’s excited about the “pocket parks” they will be building along the pedestrian sidewalks. “Pocket parks” are small landscaped areas with seating for visitors to congregate.
“I can’t wait until that ‘pocket park’ goes in,” Cohn said. “It will physically transform the space.”