EXCLUSIVE:
GROW CLOSES MANHATTAN BEACH MARKET AFTER 19 YEARS
Kathy and Barry Fisher with their first employee (center).
All good things must come to an end. It’s hard for us to close something that has been such a large part of our life and, to a large degree, our identity in the community. Even walking around town some people will say – “Oh it’s GROW” not Kathy and Barry. I liked hearing this. But now we are tired. We were tired when COVID-19 hit in March 2020 and over the past four ½ years we have been pushed both physically and emotionally. It’s funny, as COVID was a blessing and a curse for us. In Feb 2020 we decided to close GROW. We saw a drop in customer visits and felt we should make an exit. COVID hit and the community embraced us and there was a strong push to support local businesses. I am so proud of the job our team and our family did during those many months supporting the community and creating a safe place for customers to shop. Because of the amazing support in 2020 through 2021, we really believed there was a place among these giant box stores for a natural community grocer. As we pushed through 2022 we saw a slowing of business but this was expected as our community was fully opening and, let’s face it, people were tired of cooking. We were optimistic for 2023. 2023 started poorly and ended the same way. Our daughter started working for GROW in 2023 and was tasked with bringing in younger families to the shop. She did amazing outreach to all our schools and created automatic 5% donations to customer’s schools. It never caught hold. GROW’s customer base is mostly my age and older. This means kids are out of the house, which to a grocer means less stomachs to feed. Additionally, the diet changes as we get older – less red meat is eaten – historically a very strong part of our business. These changes reduced our store sales. In addition, as we lost labor, we did not fully rehire taking on more shifts to reduce costs. You know the adage: owners should be working ON the business not IN the business. Well, we overworked ourselves in the business.
The final straw for us was missing a planned vacation due to a team member quitting. We did not have the labor to fill the missing shifts. The following week after a 5 AM to 9 PM shift, I told Kathy I was done. Looking at me sure you see someone who looks incredibly youthful for his age, but even I have a limit. It was not just me. Kathy was tired as well. Since the business was losing money and its owners were burned out, the right thing was to close the shop. July 10th (after the 16 hour work day) we decided to close Sept 30th, by July 15th we decided to end our lease August 15th. Just rip the band aid off. Since we announced our closing, the outpouring from the community has been greatly appreciated. I have around 350 emails to reply to. From customers giving us their condolences and wishing us well to questions on what is next for the two of us. What has been very hard is seeing those customers who have become our friends. Dry eyes have been a problem for me since last Thursday. A customer came in the back entrance of the shop an hour after our email sharing the news – I saw her from the front of the shop and turned to Kathy and said this is going to be a hard one. Carol has shopped with us since we opened and exclusively for many years. Hugs, tears and stories. She brought up how she was not able to enjoy our Thanksgiving brined turkey as she was having issues with citrus (one of the ingredients) and how Kathy made her a special batch of brine without citrus. She then shared, “Where will I shop for my family?” We are fortunate to have touched a lot of lives in our community, and reading emails with stories about what GROW did for them and hearing them in the shop makes Kathy and I understand that we have impacted our community positively.
Two big questions:
- When do we close? By Aug 7th. If we sell out earlier we will close the shop earlier but we need to be out by Aug 7th so we can clear the shop of all our equipment.
- Where are we going to shop? Not sure – we would love your recommendations. Kathy has not shopped at another grocery store in 19 years. We have a request for you. We need your help moving through all our grocery items, so the closing is a lot less painful financially. Starting July 25th, grocery items are discounted 25% and wine 15%. Please come stock up and we look forward to seeing you in the shop.
Thank you, Kathy and Barry Fisher (Oh, it’s GROW)
https://www.instagram.com/p/C9khfqgPbSm/
MB Weekly Reader Poll:
68% Against Teaching Gender Identity In MB Schools
A vast majority of MB Weekly readers are opposed to the teaching of gender identity in Manhattan Beach schools according to a recent MB Weekly reader poll. “I sent my children to school to be educated, not indoctrinated,” said Sally M., a Manhattan Beach resident and parent. The recent poll reveals a significant majority of the community’s disapproval of incorporating gender identity topics into the school curriculum. Many parents, like Sally, believe that education should focus on core academic subjects rather than delving into social issues. “It’s about preserving innocence and keeping our kids focused on learning essential skills,” she added.
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Paul Meils, first-time Hermosa Beach Ironman men’s champion, holds his prize.
Brent Koehn (Gen Mgr Joey) | Fred Taylor (Community Activist) | Abby Waddell (Realtor)
Q: DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF A RISK-TAKER?
Brent Koehn: YES
Fred Taylor: YES & NO [Cautious risk taker]
Abby Waddell: NO
Q: DO YOU TRUST PEOPLE EASILY?
Brent Koehn: YES
Fred Taylor: NO, do you??
Abby Waddell: YES
Q: WOULD YOU TRY EATING AN EXOTIC DELICACY LIKE INSECTS OR SNAKES?
Brent Koehn: YES
Fred Taylor: NO !!!
Abby Waddell: YES
Q: HAVE YOU EVER HAD A SUPERNATURAL OR PARANORMAL EXPERIENCE?
Brent Koehn: YES
Fred Taylor: YES – I’ve felt the presence of the Lord.
Abby Waddell: NO
Q: HAVE YOU EVER GONE SKINNY-DIPPING?
Brent Koehn: YES
Fred Taylor: NO [Not since mom washed me in the kitchen sink!]
Abby Waddell: YES
Q: HAVE YOU EVER HAD A NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCE?
Brent Koehn: YES
Fred Taylor: YES – Going to school board meetings !!
Abby Waddell: NO
Joey Restaurants:
SUPER LONG WEEKENDS
ENJOY $5 SUPERS ALL DAY
EVERY LONG WEEKEND THIS SUMMER
JUN 29 – JUL 1, AUG 3-5 & AUG 31-SEP 2
SINGLE SERVING ONLY
www.JoeyRestaurants.com
Free Shuttle To Downtown Manhattan Beach:
Manhattan Beach is giving complimentary shuttle rides to downtown to make up for lot 3’s closure. The shuttle operates every 20 minutes. Monday through Thursday from 1 to 9 p.m., and from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Friday to Sunday. Pickup and Drop Off Locations:
- Pacific Elementary School (5 hour limited parking available, Lot 1, 2, and M Permit holders exempt);
- 10th Street and Manhattan Avenue; and
- City Hall 1400 Highland Ave. (Servicing City Hall, Manhattan Beach Police Department, Library, Metlox Plaza).
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
L.A. County D.A. candidate Nathan Hochman speaks at a packed fundraiser hosted by former MB Mayor Suzanne Hadley at The Neptunian Woman’s Club.
The Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation Raises Money For Mental Health Via Surfing:
A local Foundation seeks to heal with the help of the ocean. After Manhattan Beach surfer and instructor Jimmy Miller committed suicide in August 2004, his mother and others founded the Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation to honor his surfing legacy and aid individuals with mental and physical issues. “We could not save Jimmy,” according to the foundation website, “but by sharing his life and passion for surfing with the world, we have been able to save countless lives through Ocean Therapy. This is the legacy of Jimmy Miller and the foundation in his name.” In addition to the Ocean Therapy sessions on the beach, the Foundation, which says its “the world leader in using Ocean Therapy to help those suffering from mental and physical illness, injury and disabilities,” hosts several events throughout the year.
Many readers suggest a new paint job in the interior of Anytime Fitness in El Segundo.
MB WEEKLY – VIDEO SHORTS:
by Mori Biener
Join The Party … Mori Makes Short MB Weekly Videos
“Strange Dog”
https://youtu.be/TpMGPS8FGGo
Manhattan Beach Studios:
Your Southbay / L.A. / SoCal soundstage and production venue. Incredible location near LAX, the 405, 105 and next to a CVS, near markets, malls and the beach. Fully-equipped studio with lights, cameras and action. From stage rentals to podcasts, corporate video, headshots and much more! A cozy creative space that feels like home.
www.ManhattanBeachStudios.net
MB WEEKLY – MEET MADDIE:
Has Worked In MB Since 2022
Have You Ever…
Have your parents ever caught you in public with your crush without knowing you are dating someone? NO
Have you ever stolen a candy bar from a local corner store? NO
Have you ever wet your pants in public in front of your friends? NO
Has a teacher ever called on you in class when you didn’t know what was happening? YES
Have you ever tried to pay for a bill over $100 but nothing but coins? NO
Have you ever gotten called out by your significant other in front of your friends? YES
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Mary O. (Manhattan Beach)
Talk about insane! California school districts are no longer allowed to enforce parental notification policies, which are requirements that could potentially disclose a student’s gender identity to their parent. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law a bill that prohibits districts from enacting what’s been dubbed parental notification policies, requirements for school employees to disclose information related to a student’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression without the student’s consent.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB WEEKLY – A DIFFERENT VIEW:
Kool Kat of Manhattan Beach – Meet Peanut. Feel free to send your photos to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
MB WEEKLY – READER COMMENT:
“I certainly don’t agree with everything I read in MB Weekly but find its independence and fairness impressive.” —- Mia E., Manhattan Beach
NATHAN HOCHMAN
FOR L.A. COUNTY
DISTRICT ATTORNEY:
AN INDEPENDENT PROSECUTOR FOR CHANGE
WWW.NATHANHOCHMAN.COM
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Tani Golden
I’ve been watching this homeless man. He stood in front of my next door neighbor’s house for 30 minutes after I came out and saw him. Now he has set up camp with a “donation box” 3 houses from me. I am fascinated that it is women in their 60’s who stop, give him money and actually say something to him for a moment and then they walk off…
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MB WEEKLY:
The Face of Manhattan Beach
Meet Hollander (Manhattan Beach)
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WHO READS MB WEEKLY?
Amanda R. (Has worked in Manhattan Beach since 2020)
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MB WEEKLY – MANHATTAN BEACH POPULATION HISTORY:
Manhattan Beach 100 year Chart of Population.
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Shrimp in Manhattan Beach. Feel free to send your photo to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
MB WEEKLY – READER QUESTION:
HAVE YOU EVER RECEIVED A LOVE POEM IN YOUR LIFE?
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1. ** I recommend the most politically incorrect pop album that made its way into the world ten years ago. And if you haven’t yet memorized Lana Del Rey’s Ultraviolence – I first listened at eighteen and know it front to back – today’s as good a time as ever to start. —- Emily E., Manhattan Beach
2. ** Student loan relief contributing to 27% jump in projected federal budget deficit, per CBO. —- Tim G., Manhattan Beach
3. ** Dollar Tree left lead-tainted applesauce on store shelves for weeks after recall, FDA says. The discount retailer failed to recall applesauce pouches effectively, which was linked to reports of illness in more than 500 children, the Food and Drug Administration said. —- Editor’s Note
4. ** Do not give money/food to panhandlers. Ever! —- Dr. Randall H., Manhattan Beach
5. ** I adore the lamb chops at Fete! —- Angi S., Manhattan Beach
6. ** Hermosa Beach’s e-bike enforcement this weekend was long, long overdue. The situation is severe since 100 citations were issued. Hopefully, enforcement will continue. Again, long, long overdue! —- Charlotte T., Hermosa Beach
7. ** I recommend NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day: Some are photos of the Earth’s sky, others telescopic pictures of nebulas or galaxies, views from the rovers on Mars, or pretty much anything about our universe. Most are beautiful and enchanting. It’s how I start my day each day. —- Leslie M., Manhattan Beach
8. ** Chili’s Unveils New Ad Campaign: “At Least We’re Not Applebee’s” —- Bree A., Manhattan Beach
9. ** The United States is one of only two countries (the other is New Zealand) where direct-to-consumer prescription pharmaceutical advertising is allowed. —- Zack O., Manhattan Beach
10. ** I missed church Sunday, but my Father told me I could give my confession online this morning. I’m up to a million Likes. —- Alfred R., Manhattan Beach
11. ** The combined L.A. City & County fiscal year 2023-24 budgets for homelessness programs are about $4 billion. Welcome the Homeless Industrial Complex. —- Megan B., Manhattan Beach
12. ** I read the news today, oh boy – Star Wars Introduces Non-Binary Ewok With Preferred Pronouns “Yub/Nub” —- John B., Manhattan Beach
13. ** Thumbs (way) down on the new painting on our 15th Street MBFD office. —- Bette J., Manhattan Beach
14. ** Trump Polling Would Be At 100% After Hosts Warn He Would Cancel ‘The View’ —- Tabitha R., Manhattan Beach
15. ** I like Handles Ice Cream at the Manhattan Village, but here is today’s experience: 1. they’ve raised the price from $5.25 to $6 in the last month or so two. 2. There were far too few staff present, so the waiting is unnecessarily long. 3. They have removed the napkins from outside, so you have to ask for them. 4. Like every other establishment, they are guilting customers for tips on their payment pad. —- Maxine C., Manhattan Beach
16. ** Whoa! Sara Garcia nails the real impetus behind these protests. It’s a clash between Western and Communist totalitarianism values, A precursor to a one-world government. Just like in post-George Floyd, a race cause or a Palestinian cause is simply the “Trojan Horse” issue to push to vicious revolt against Western values [including Israel]. —- Fred T., Manhattan Beach
17. ** In recent European elections, there were few concerns about integrity or contested results, unlike in the U.S. Could the lack of voter ID requirements in America, replacing paper ballots with electronic voting, and shifting from an election day to an election month suggest potential manipulation? —- Lindsay H., Manhattan Beach
18. ** Let’s hope the proceeds raised by the MBEF Annual Wine Auction are used to improve the education of our youth. —- Ron S., Manhattan Beach
19. ** Box office down 26% from 2023. Audience moving to Streaming. —- Tony L., Manhattan Beach
20. ** This year, America is 248 years old. And if the Founding Fathers were alive today to see pink-haired students praising Hamas on college campuses while their Marxist professors cheer them on, the reaction would not be pretty. —- Lois C., Manhattan Beach
21. ** Agree. The casting of white men in commercials seems to be heavily biased toward wimps. Maybe it is because white men who aspire to theatrical/acting careers are in fact wimpy and predominate in the casting pool. I strongly suggest that these casting white men in commercials tap the Professional Rugby League which appears to be an almost unlimited resource of non-wimp white men. —- George R., Manhattan Beach
22. ** Waste from automobile! Before the Valley stop light, a new Mercedes in front of me opened its driver side door and tossed a bag of Taco Bell food onto the pavement as I headed to Vons on Pier Ave. WTF!! After honking and throwing my hands up in anger, I opened my door and flung their rubbish at Vons. —- Archie T., Hermosa Beach
23. ** California Dad Warns Kid If He Doesn’t Study Hard He’ll End Up Homeless With Free Luxury Room And Vodka Shots. —- Emma S., Manhattan Beach
24. ** Sara Garcia is absolutely correct., The anti-Israel protesters have no clue what they’re protesting. So, I pose the question to these antisemites. “Would you defend your family if people came through your door at home?” How would you defend yourself? Me? With every means possible until they were annihilated from the face of the earth. —- David D., Manhattan Beach
25. ** Ever since Covid, my eyes pop open between 3 and 4 am every morning. I go into another room (so I don’t wake up my partner). I read, do laundry, get a bite to eat, or… sometimes go back to sleep. It’s my favorite time of day; yes, I nap during the day. —- Jill L., Manhattan Beach
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