Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Bessenecker and Dana Bessenecker.
Chris and Dana, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Dana became a regular at Java Joe’s, the iconic local café and music venue where musicians like Jason Mraz, Jewel and Steve Poltz got their start. Java Joe’s was located on Adams Avenue at the time but was looking for a more dynamic location where he could expand his business, and hoped that Dana could help make it happen either as a partner or as a purchaser of the property. Dana and Joe looked at various locations, but it wasn’t until Joe showed Dana the property that would become Old Town Local that she decided it was a project worth pursuing. Dana showed the property to Chris and Chris loved it too — it was full of eclectic charm and historic character (and since it was all wood it seemed a natural next step after living on a wood boat and then in a Craftsman home). A plan evolved for Dana and Chris to purchase the property and have Java Joe’s lease the center of the project in a mostly outdoor (though private and intimate) setting, and to find small retailers to fill in the surrounding units with shops that represented a diversity of artisans and unique offerings that would attract locals and tourists alike, and that would be a small community of business that complement one another. As a real estate attorney, Dana was able to maneuver through the legal aspects of the transaction and get a lender to approve a loan on an income property that had very little income at the time. Meanwhile Chris, who works in the public health field for local organization Project Concern International, started working on finding tenants. We recruited some friends (Mark and Rossana, and Carie and Wayland) to join in the investment, closed escrow in December 2017, and began creating Old Town Local. It’s a labor of love even more than an investment, and we really want to create something uniquely special in Old Town that brings people together for an experience they won’t get anywhere else. Just shop in a few of the shops that have opened so far and then sit in on an intimate performance by one of the amazing musicians who play at Java Joe’s, and you’ll see what we mean.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s definitely not been a smooth road. We needed to secure tenants, create a cohesive vision, implement storefront improvements and work through a box of more than 100 keys left for us. Much of these early efforts also happened to be during the freakishly large rainstorms of 2017. All this while maintaining two full-time jobs and making sure our kids still recognized us at the end of the day. I would say the biggest challenge though is making sure we have the right mix of shops that compliment each other and offer something unique in Old Town. Old Town State Park and San Diego avenue are what people think of when they think of Old Town. Just one block south on Congress, we wanted to share something new, eclectic and unique, while still reflecting the historic feel and rustic charm of Old Town. I think we are accomplishing that and dare people to venture down to Congress St. to see something different. After all, the story of Old Town is a story of a mixture and blending of cultures and people. We like to think that Old Town Local is reflective of, and a continuation of that story.
Old Town Local – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Old Town Local is a collection of old 1920’s bungalows situated around a central courtyard and located in the heart of Old Town. Our motto is “Shop – Savor – Lounge – Listen” and that is what we want patrons to do here. On the front patio we set up bench and table seating along with outlets, USB plug-ins and Wi-Fi so you can enjoy your latte, use your devices and get in some people watching. Maduros Cigar Lounge is in the far back of the property and provides a friendly and laid back atmosphere for those who enjoy a good cigar. There are several shops throughout the bungalows. Places like Anuhea, where you can get some of the most amazing hand crafted and uniquely scented soaps and Polynesian inspired gifts. Artesania Oaxaca specializes in beautifully embroidered dresses and blouses. Rust and Twig offers vibrant and unique home and garden décor. Peace-Love-Nourish focuses on holistic health with essential oils and teas. Bamboo Boutique offers clothing made of bamboo! (No kidding, you have to get a pair of bamboo socks to see how amazing it is.) SoCal Bliss is our cart shop that is packed with tons of fun shirts and gifts. For the Love of Stones is a new store opening up that will offer an amazing collection of north African stone and Moroccan-style jewelry. Lindsey, another new tenant, is an esthetician who will be offering a variety of beauty services and products. And in the center courtyard is Java Joe’s, where during the day you can get some great Italian coffee and food and at night relax and listen to some amazing musicians in an up close and personal way that may ruin stadium concerts for you. Finally, in 2018, the Mason Jar restaurant is slated to open, which will add some new variety to the current offerings in Old Town. Shop – Savor – Lounge – Listen. That’s what Old Town Local is all about.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is the satisfaction that you’ve created something you can be proud of. For us it’s not enough just to be earning a living. It has to have relevance in and of itself. It has to have meaning and value for others. That’s what we hope Old Town Local will achieve.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.oldtownlocalsd.com
- Phone: 619.416.1221
- Email: oldtownlocalsd@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oldtownlocalsd/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oldtownlocalsd
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