Fish and Beer

In addition to the two businesses I mentioned in my inaugural post, there are at least two others that Lompoc is dying to hear more about.

Soon.  Maybe?

First, "Are there any micro breweries here in Lompoc?"  Well, no, not YET.  But as many Facebook commenters have mentioned, there are strong rumors buzzing around.  The story is, Solvang Brewery has purchased (or leased?) the old Ford dealership and is coming to Lompoc.

I want more info!  Is City Planning already involved? What's the timeline? Are they opening a restaurant or are they going to focus on production? Tap room? What are they going to call it? Timeline? Who are the owners? Why are they expanding now? Why Lompoc?

I'm going to try to find out.

Second, "What's happening at the old Red Zone?"  Well, apparently, it has something to do with fish and Leroy. I heard the building sold for $499K and I can see, just passing by, that they're doing a ton of work on it.

It's all about Leroy.

Don't you want to know?  Aren't you WILDLY curious? Who is behind the project and how are they funding it?  What are they thinking? What are they hoping?  What are they bringing to Lompoc? Who is this guy, Leroy? What's the STORY?

I WANT TO KNOW.

Judging by the forums on Facebook and informal conversations with other business owners, I'm not the only one who wants better biz buzz.  I understand that there are times - usually when a deal is in progress - that the principals don't want to make anything public.  But, hey, "everybody" knows what's coming to the old Ford Dealership and the old Red Zone.  They're on our radar.

So: what's the scoop?

Is it idle gossip I'm after?

Here's the thing. Small business owners can make better decisions about their businesses if they know what's going on around them.  It's called Situational Awareness.  If you don't have it, you're likely to miss opportunities, or to encounter obstacles that you might have avoided.

Here's another thing.  You're more likely to "Shop Lompoc, Shop Small" if you know the "moms and pops" who own these mom-and-pop businesses.  There is a certain sense of obligation, when you're a member of a community.

And one last thing. If the local business scene is some big mystery that only the well-established and the in-crowd can access, it excludes many who contribute to the economic development of the city.  Are you one of Lompoc Valley's self-employed: a micro-business owner, solopreneur, a home-based business owner?  You need to be recognized and included in the conversation, and you need to be well informed.

My purpose, here, is to serve as a source for you to find out what's happening in the local business community.  This blog, I hope, will open up the conversation by asking: What's the Buzz? What's the story? What's happening?

Buzz about Biz

Hey look!  They're on Facebook!

Today I went to TWO grand openings in Lompoc.  TWO new businesses, in one day - BOOM.  I think this is a Big Deal for my little hometown.

I heard about these businesses on Facebook.  (Business owners: if you are serious about reaching your customers, you need to be on Facebook. Go ahead and secretly believe it's the most ridiculous thing you've ever heard of - but that shouldn't stop you from jumping on board.)

First, I stopped by The Coveted Closet, which is on H ST, in the Albertsons shopping center (between Albertsons and the old Mervyns).  It's a classy-looking shop.  The focus is on juniors; the vibe is young and fresh.  Prices are good.

Then I went to the new Pool Lounge on E. Ocean (same strip center as the Budget Cafe).  I chatted with the friendly owner, Cliff, and admired the beautiful pool tables.  He has applied for a liquor license (beer only) but will be open to kids as well, age 14 and up.  A place for teens to hang out!

Lots of folks excited about playing pool in the Poke.

Cliff is old school.  Doesn't know about social media, and doesn't take credit cards.  Sigh.  Still, I heard about his business on Facebook.  The grand opening was posted by a good citizen who wanted to help him get the word out.

What I've noticed, hanging out on the local forums, is that many of us are hungry for Biz Buzz.  We want to talk about it. We want to know: what's happening where?

"What's going in the old Mervyns?"

"We should have a bowling alley in town!"

"We need a good steakhouse!"

"When are we going to get a [insert your favorite chain restuaurant or store here]?"

I'm a small business owner in Lompoc who wants more and better biz buzz.  Case in point: I want to know more about these two new businesses.  Who are the owners?  What are their stories?

If you want biz buzz too - if you want to know what's happening where - if you want news and in-depth stories about Lompoc business, subscribe to this blog via the email subscription link, so you'll know when I put up another Buzz. 

Click here to read my next post; find out what two other businesses I learned about on Facebook.