South Coast Highway Businesses Closing Up Shop

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Laguna Beach residents are losing some unique local South Coast Highway businesses in 2015, some from economic conditions and others just because ownership feels the time is right to call it a career. “We have been in Laguna Beach for 50 years,” said Arthur and June Fong. “We have been very blessed to be part of this community.”

 

June and Arthur Fong inside Fong Imports.
June and Arthur Fong inside Fong Imports.

Fong Imports will shutter its long-running storefront in the next 90-100 days as the Fong’s transition their operation to online sales. “This is a job I love that has been part of my life since I bought the business in 1965,” said Arthur.

Originally named Oriental Traders, the Fongs changed the name in the mid 1970’s to better represent their business brand. “We had some customers coming in wanting to actually trade goods,” said June.

Specializing in rare pieces and antiques from around the globe, the Fongs are serving in many cases their fourth generation of clients. “We have so many customers that we love and that became our friends,” says June. The quaint shop has been graced with celebrity patrons from Faye Dunaway to most recently, country music star Zac Brown. “He was in the store three weeks ago,” said Arthur.

The Fongs will be looking for a new tenant to assume their location, but have not decided on one as of yet. “We are looking at who the best fit will be,” said June.

Head down a few blocks and the space which held Juices and Shakes, the brainchild of successful entrepreneur Chris Keller, is now vacant. “It was just the wrong concept for the location, “said Keller. Opened in 2014, the first year of the operation saw decent sales, but in 2015 that dynamic changed, according to Keller, who also owns Rooftop Bar and K’ya on South Coast Highway. “Traffic slowed considerably since 2014,” he said.

Concerning the traffic relative to the overall business climate, Keller noted the importance of the city continuing their openness in working with local business as they have over the recent years. “I would encourage the city to stay on that track and keep a positive business environment, “he said.

Despite the historic Laguna Cinema closing in August, and its impact on driving business to the adjacent store shops, Keller is not giving up on the locale. “We are exploring several food-based concepts that will be new, fun and interesting, most likely in 2016, “he said.

Further up the Coast Highway, the near 30 year old business Olamendi’s will be closing their doors in the next few weeks, said Owner Jorge Olamendi. “We want to say thank you to all of our wonderful customers, who we have enjoyed serving over the years in Laguna Beach. We also want to thank the city, Laguna Beach is a place like no other.”

The decision to close the Mexican restaurant’s Laguna location is based on multiple factors, said Olamendi. “We want to focus on our original Dana Point location, as well as expand our original ultra-premium organic tequila line.”

But the proprietor did note that the large drop in tourism in 2015 was a factor in the decision. “This is tough, believe you me,” he said. “It is hard and bittersweet, but we want to focus our energy and time on these two ventures.”

The Dana Point location will welcome Laguna Beach patrons with open arms. “Our long-time customers, drive down to Dana Point and enjoy a free appetizer or dessert,” said Olamendi.

The new owner of the property is considering a wine bar concept, according to Olamendi. “It’s all’s well that ends well,” he said.

 

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