Over the last few months, I’ve written about the woes of our economy and pointed out the troubling signs on both a local and national basis. While I stand by my observations, I thought I’d try to put forth something a bit more positive and feature some local success stories despite these tumultuous economic times.
On Sunday’s (Son-Day) I typically go to G-Man Brewery & Sports Bar on Martinazzi with my son and see a packed house nearly every time. This is an absolutely thriving business, and not just on Sundays. Owner Gary Haberman had the vision and expertise to create a place that combines great drinks (including their own G-Man Drafts), notably good food, and a friendly environment enjoyed by countless locals. After 25 years, they’ve shown what can be achieved with great quality, attentive management, and fair pricing.
Just around the corner is another local staple, CI Bar & Grill. While the CI has been around for several decades, they continue to grow their base by consistently offering top notch live entertainment every Thursday, a lively and popular Karaoke following Friday evenings (shocked and impressed by how talented some of our local singers are!) They have a surprisingly diverse menu and have some of the best breakfasts in town. Again, another super successful local business that thrives by doing all the basics right.
And next-door is Tualatin Station, which also packs their place by offering good drinks and really good food. Their wings are outstanding and owner Jeremy is so present day and night, making sure everything and everyone is taken care of. They also have Karaoke, a pool table, inside/outside seating, an outstanding fish tank, and a caring staff. While they’re the new kids on the block, they have really established themselves as a solid local venue and are seeing the results of their hard work.
A few yards away is another local landmark, Mashita Teriyaki. Owners Charles and Sunhee are local favorites and their consistency is unparalleled. Serving great food and reasonable prices is their mainstay, but their friendliness towards customers, remembering names, sponsoring nearly every high school offering, speaking Spanish to Spanish speakers all combine to make their continued success year after year.
For the Latino community, La Barca Guerrero near Wells Fargo is a great example of doing things right. Their selection of Mexican groceries and spices is incredible, they wire money, they have Pan Dulce (Mexican Sweet Bread) and have served our Hispanic community for more than 20 years. This is a family business that survives through thick and thin by being responsive to customer needs and treating customers like gold.
In each of these cases, all are locally owned businesses where the owner(s) have a presence on a daily basis, reliably great service, are priced affordably, and offer consistent quality each and every time. It’s not magic, it is hard work, rinse, repeat. While nothing is recession proof, these businesses show how it can be done, despite the economy. Gratifying to see these silver linings.
