About

Things are tough right now. We have been told these are the “dark days” of the COVID-era–and January is typically challenging for businesses anyway.

We are launching our Business Support Profiles to give you a look at the faces behind the business. A “business” is not just a name, it’s people, and they need your continued support to get through all this–to keep people employed, to save our local economy, and to save their American dreams.  

We have for you: Who they are, where they are, how to find them on social media, and how to support them. We sincerely thank you.

George’s will turn 25 years old this year. It has been a restaurant location in Bixby Knolls for 69 years and started as Grisinger’s from 1952 to 1963;

Lymans from 1963 to 1972; Terry’s from 1972 to 1996; then George’s from 1996 to the present.

Social Media: Instagram and Facebook: George’s 50’s Diner

Best way to order is by phone: 562-427-5979.
Pay inside then wait in your car and they will bring it to you. Call and they will make your order any way you want.

Known for: SOS on Toast, Biscuit or Potatoes. Great food at great prices.

Open for Breakfast and Lunch 7am to 2pm, 7 days a week.

Alsace Loraine has been a staple business for 63 years, first opening in 1958. Located at 4334 Atlantic Avenue, just down the street from their original location. The current owners have been at it 18 years in Bixby Knolls.

Muny Giang and her husband are the owners and have been running the whole operation after laying off several employees–Their day starts at 4:00am doing everything from baking in the early morning hours to selling later into the day.

Favorite items are the custom cakes for any occasion but the big seller is the Chocolate Chews Cookies which always sell out quickly every day.

They are very thankful to the local area residents for helping them through this time and wouldn’t be here without them. Making cakes and pastries for local businesses was a big part of the business and that has taken a big hit during COVID.

Hours are 7am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday

Sundays are for pickups only from 9am to 10am

Closed on Mondays

To order by phone call 562-427-5992. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Social Media: Facebook / Alsace Lorraine Pastry

Cali Bowls opened its doors in the midst of a pandemic, only operating for 8 Months now. They are doing a semi brisk business but had been relying on business from the local office buildings which are mostly shuttered at this point. They have a good word-of-mouth reputation and stand by the fact that they make good, healthy fast food and have many loyal customers now from the local area.

People love the custom wraps they make and the delicious protein bowls and salads, but no one leaves without the green cilantro sauce which is by far the favorite.

To order by phone call 562 988-1767 or order online at www.theCalibowls.com
They also are available through Ubereats, Grubhub and Postmates. You can also walk in to order.

Look for Sam Sheikh, manager, Luis Varcenas, the Chef, and Max Belhascem the counter person.

Social Media they use is Instagram @thecalibowl and Facebook Cali bowls
Open until 7:30 pm everyday

Phil Trani’s has been in Bixby Knolls for 31 years and have hosted countless events for many non-profits at a considerable discount or as a full donation. The pandemic has not just affected Phil’s business “it’s been a roller coaster ride,” Phil says, “but the bottom line is many of those non-profit groups are now are in dire straights as their source for raising funds and having an event staging area is not available to them.”  Trani’s has gone from thirty employees to just a few to handle to-go orders but the full staff is at the ready for the reopening of outdoor dining.

Some of the popular to-go items are: Ossobuco, Waldorf Salad and Fresh Fish of the day. Their current special is if you spend $60.00 you get a free bottle of wine with your order.  You can also get a fine handcrafted cocktail to go with your order!

View the menu and specials here: https://www.philtrani.com 
Also ask for the off-menu specials when you call. The current offerings are Ossobuco, Fish & Chips, Chilean Sea Bass & Crab/Squid/Lobster Fettuccine with Angel Hair Pasta. 

Phone: 562-426-3668
Door Dash is also available.
Hours: Monday – Saturday 11am to 2pm and then 5pm – 8pm
Instagram: @philtranis
Facebook: Phil Trani’s Fine Food & Spirits

Located inside Steelcraft, Smog City Brewing Co. is known for their quality and creative craft beer. They offer 24 draft lines and make a huge variety of beer as well as wine and cider, everyone will find something they’ll love. Amarilla Gorilla IPA is a top-seller, but their Smog Days IPAs are always a hit.

Since the pandemic began, Smog City had to packaged their beer for to-go sales offering 4-pack cans. They also had to begin doing online orders and home delivery service to make sure they had safe alternatives for their customers to get beer.

Ordering online is the best for quick and safe service but you can also order in person. Order online on their website – www.smogcitybrewing.com

Instagram: @smogcitybeer
Facebook: Smog City Brewing

Hours: Open every day 12pm-8pm

DeSano Pizza has been part of the Steelcraft family for five years now. They offer 100% handmade almond wood fired pizza made with fresh and imported ingredients direct from Italy. A fan favorite is their San Gennaro pizza which is made with San Marzano Tomato, Sausages, Peppadew, Caramelized onions, and Buffalo Mozzarella.

Since the pandemic began, they’ve been able to do some to-go orders to local customers but their business has hurt immensely with outdoor dining being unavailable.

You can order by calling or in-person. They also use all the available app delivery services.
Website: www.desanopizza.com
Hours: Open every day from 11am-8pm
Phone: (562) 337-8100

Instagram: @desanopizzalb
Facebook: DeSano Pizza Long Beach

Opening a business during a pandemic is obviously extra challenging, the restaurant concept was planned before all of this began but they decided to go ahead with their plan which lead to the opening of Wood & Salt Tavern in September 2020. While they were only able to have outdoor dining for two months, the turnout for them during that time was overwhelming and they’re hopeful their customers will continue to support them when possible. During the time they weren’t able to have outdoor dining, they’ve had to get creative to keep their business afloat by having a Christmas market with gift boxes and dry goods.
 
Wood & Salt is known for their Balsamic Braised Beef Short rib, Crispy Fried Olives, Fried Fresh Calamari, & Tagiiatelle with Beef, Pork or Veal Ragu. They shop for their fresh ingredients at our local farmers markets and work with local craft food makers like Gusto Bread on 4th Street. Next time you order from them you must try their Squid Ink Spaghetti. Also, check out their Valentine’s Day menu which includes Lobster Ravioli, Beef Short Rib, grilled Gusto bread, Baby Arugula Salad, Chocolate Nutella Panna Cotta & a 750ml bottle of Canella Prosecco.
 
To order, order online on their website or call-in. 
Website: www.woodsalt.com
Phone: 562-349-0111
Hours: Monday – Sunday 4pm to 8pm
 
Social Media accounts:
Instagram – @wood_salt_tavern
Facebook – Wood & Salt Tavern

Quite a lot has changed for Bamboo Teri House since the pandemic began. They’ve had to let go a few employees, orders are taken at the door and they’ve been doing to-go orders only since the beginning. Even when outdoor dining has been available, they haven’t offered that option to customers as they don’t feel comfortable serving food in their parking lot. They’ve also upgraded their POS system so there would be less contact between employees and customers, it hasn’t been the easiest transition for them but they’re trying their best to make it work.

Bamboo Teri House is known for their tempura, the crispiest in town, as well as their teriyaki sauce. Next time you order from them you must try their Super bowl.

Here is their special menu:
Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 2-6pm
Tempura Tuesday: Every Tuesday
Super Thursday: Every Thursday
See the full Specials Menu here: 

How to order: The best way is online, there’s a 10% off coupon for regular menu items. They have all our specials on toast.com which also offers delivery with a $7.50 delivery fee. Doordash and Postmates is great also if you want delivery, however they only features our regular menu. You can also call-in your order and pick-up at the restaurant.

Phone number: 562-595-6049
Website: www.bambooterihouse.com
Hours: 11:30 am to 8:00 pm Mon-Fri, 12-8pm Saturday, Closed on Sundays

Instagram: @bambooterihouse
Facebook: Bamboo Teri House

Opening during the pandemic hasn’t been easy for Hangry Belly. The owner, Kat Varcharabul, opened her business in August 2020, but she had helped run the former restaurant in Steelcraft so she knows what to expect during “normal times.” With having to adjust to majority take-out orders, their to-go packaging costs have been setting them back. Their regular customers have supported them out during this time but when outdoor dining has been allowed they do much better.

Hangry Belly is known for the We Be Jamming Burger 1/3 pound beef patty with arugula, prosciutto, tomato, onion jam, roasted garlic aioli, swiss cheese on a potato bun. When you visit, you must try their Trufflin Waffle Fries. They also make their delicious sauces and jams in-house.

You can order by walking-in person at @steelcraft LB, by phone or through DoorDash.

Phone: 562-336-1155
Website: https://www.hangrybelly.com

Hours:
Sun–Thu 11:30am – 9pm
Fri–Sat 1130am – 10pm

Instagram: @hangrybellyx
Facebook: Hangy Bellyx

Derricks on Atlantic has had the “world’s longest soft opening” as they like to joke. They opened a few days before the first shutdown happened last year (February 28) and it’s been a rollercoaster for them ever since. Thankfully, they’ve been able to use the outdoor patio their location has when it’s been allowed but they still have yet to open their indoor dining for the first time to the public. However, they understand the serious nature of the pandemic as one of the co-owners, Velika Turner, is a full-time ER RN and is in the front lines every day.

When you visit, you must try their Pulled Pork Tacos and Texas Loaded Fries. Since their opening, their customers have raved about their Pork Ribs, Brisket and Beef Ribs.

You can order online on their website, by calling in or ordering through Grub Hub & Postmates.

Website: derricksonatlantic.com
Phone: 562-337-8131

Instagram: @derriksonatlantic
Facebook: Derricks on Atlantic
Twitter: @derricksBBQ

If opening a restaurant is hard during a pandemic, you can image how tough it’s been for the restaurant/party space “Dream Come True Tea & Party Room.” They relocated their business to Bixby Knolls in November 2020 and have been able to do outdoor dining in the back of their building when it’s been allowed. Dream Come True is known for fantasy birthday event celebrations, tea and food decorating craft kits, baby showers and kids birthday parties. Although their event planning and offsite party setup business has scaled back, they have been able to do some drive by parade parties.

When you walk-in or reserve your tea room experience, you must try their homemade Petit Fours and Tea Sandwiches.

How to order/make a reservation for the tea room and book a party experience:
Call to make a reservation, and call or go to their website to book a party experience.

Phone: 562-270-1400
Website: dreamcometruepartyroom.com
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 11 to 4
Offsite parties available 7 days a week.

Instagram: @dreamcometrueteaandpartyroom
Facebook: Dream Come True Tea & Party Room

The Merchant had to quickly adjust its business structure when the pandemic began, moving to take-out orders only. This meant accommodating for a lot more take-out packaging than normal. Thankfully, the neighborhood has been able to keep supporting them which has allowed The Merchant to retain all staff (with reduced hours). 

Also, doing bigger orders for businesses and COVID-19 safe events has been extremely helpful in keeping the doors open. This has meant pulling longer shifts to make 200 cinnamon rolls  since they can’t turn down any job at this time (and who doesn’t like cinnamon rolls?).

When you visit, you have to try their breakfast sandwich, cinnamon rolls, and any of their delicious house made croissants.
All orders must be placed online on their website and then picked up at the door or curbside.

Phone number: 562-317-5155

Website: www.themerchantlb.com

Hours: Everyday from 6am to 12pm

Instagram: @themerchantlb

Facebook: The Merchant

After 43 years of business in Bixby Knolls, Healthway Foods is struggling to keep their business afloat. At the beginning of the pandemic when every grocery store was running low on merchandise, Healthway Foods began to carry frozen meals and meats to sell to the community. However, the business had to discontinue selling them once the larger retailers were able to be fully stocked again. Their sales are down 60% since the pandemic began, but they are thankful that their loyal customers have been able to keep supporting them during this time.

Healthway Foods is known for vitamins, supplements, immunity boosters, and their own line of extracts and oils which are created by a master herbalist for them. When you visit, you have to try their wide variety of specialty drinks from Probiotics, Kombucha to Hemp drinks and CBD sparkling waters. You can call to receive curbside delivery if needed.

Phone number: 562-424-9760
Hours: 9:30am to 6pm Monday to Saturday, Closed on Sunday

Facebook: Healthway Foods
Instagram: @healthwayfoods

After 30 weeks of being shut down, Salon Medusa is struggling to keep the business afloat.

Since the pandemic, Salon Medusa has lost four of their stylists and haven not been able to operate as normal. The salon does hair coloring, cuts and perms which isn’t something they wanted to do out on the sidewalk. They have been able to sell some retail products to their loyal customers who wanted to support them but overall they have lost about 70% of their business.

Salon Medusa is known for their hair coloring and stylish cuts using all-natural vegan hair care products. They are currently having a special gift with each booking of any Aveda Color service.

Best way to book your service is over the phone or on their website.
Phone number: 562-427-7977
Website: salonmedusalongbeach.com
Hours: 10am to 6pm Tuesday through Saturday

Social Media
Instagram: @salonmedusa
Facebook: Salon Medusa Long Beach

It has been 4 months since Thunderbolt Pizza opened and could use your help to keep the business open! It is tough to see any business struggling, and even more so during the pandemic when the business has not been able to operate at full function.

Owner Jay Stebbins held a soft opening for Thunderbolt on Halloween last year and since then Jay and team have been doing their best to keep the business going. As a new kid on the block the shutdowns have added to the challenges.  

Thunderbolt Pizza has only been able to offer takeout and deliveries up to this point as the outdoor patio was not ready (but it will be soon!) Thunderbolt Pizza had partnered with Ambitious Ales to sell food to their customers but they have not been able to continue to do so since the last shutdown. Now, Thunderbolt is focusing on getting the outdoor patio ready for the community to be able to enjoy a relaxing dinner or date on any evening.
Thunderbolt Pizza is known for its delicious hand-tossed pizzas and freshly made salads, garlic knots and more. When you visit, you must try their garlic knots and Chicken Diavolo Pizza — The Devil’s chicken. The pizza starts with the house-made red sauce, mozzarella, roasted chicken, hot cherry peppers, fresh slices of garlic, fresh parsley and finished with a drizzle of their nicest extra virgin olive oil. (Fair warning, this is spicy.)

You can order by: calling or on their website.
https://www.toasttab.com/thunderbolt-pizza/v3/
Phone: 562-426-1900 (Call and say hi to Jay)
Hours: Tues – Sun 11:30am to 9:00pm 

Social Media:

Facebook: Thunderbolt Pizza

Instagram: @thunderboltpizza

It was six long months that The Next Level Barber Studio had to be closed. The studio was about to celebrate its one-year anniversary just as the pandemic began. The business had to shut down three times since the beginning of the pandemic and did not operate outdoors. This has meant no revenue for those long six months. The studio is now operating at 50% capacity and by appointments only but they are still struggling to recover for their deficits.
 
The Next Level Barber Studio is known for haircuts and hair styling for the whole family. The studio offers “Seniors Tuesday Specials” and specials for all current and former armed forces service personnel.
 
You can make an appointment by calling 562-423-2700.
 
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 7am to 5pm
 
Social Media
Instagram: @tnlbarberstudio
Facebook: The Next Level Barber Studio