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MEDIA RELEASE
As the country enjoys the return to somewhat normal life post-pandemic, local residents will discover a few new “faces” in South Pasadena’s business district.
While several local businesses have closed for good since March 2019, several new ones have arrived in South Pasadena during the same period. Meanwhile, some businesses that closed temporarily are welcoming customers once again.
“We saw more than a dozen well known businesses close permanently for various reasons during the pandemic. While we are sad to see businesses close, it does provide opportunity for new ideas and ventures. We are delighted that several businesses have come to town during the last year or so. A few that were temporarily closed for business have reopened,” explained South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce CEO Laurie Wheeler.
“The al fresco shopping day planned for Saturday, June 19, is a great opportunity to explore the new businesses and also visit your favorites to shop, eat and enjoy South Pasadena,” Wheeler added.
Reopened businesses include: Art/Work/Place, a children’s art school; Canoe House, a casual Hawaiian-themed restaurant; and Griffins of Kinsale Pub.
Among the South Pasadena newcomers are: Republic of Lucha, featuring a mask gallery and art installations; Pretty is Contagious, offering colorful women’s clothing and accessories; Moss & Meadow, selling flower arrangements, herbal teas and flower art objects; and Amma Boutique with maternity and postpartum products.
Also new to South Pas is Twohey’s, a popular family diner that closed its former location in Alhambra in 2018 and opened in a new location on Fair Oaks Boulevard in November, and Grocery Outlet, a “bargain market” that opened on Huntington Drive.
Another South Pas newcomer is Jeweled Universe, a retail shop offering an eclectic mix of jewelry created with rare gem stones by owner Diana March. The shop also offers paintings, leather purses, candles and shell art made by local artists and sold on consignment.
“We liked the neighborhood feel of South Pasadena. It’s an eclectic community with a family feel, and that seemed to be a good fit for our interest in a space to sell the work of local artists and also feature local musicians playing live music,” March explained.
Located at 1017 Mission St., Unit B, Jeweled Universe will be open with live music on the June 19 al fresco day.
March enjoyed owning a boutique shop in Old Town Pasadena between 2005-2007, before the building was purchased and rent increased. Since then, her jewelry – featuring gemstones, fossils, and mineral meteorites — has become a fixture at jewelry shows and science conventions.
“I always wanted to have another store,” March said. “During the pandemic, I was doing virtual shows from my apartment. Then I saw the space available on Mission Street, and we opened in December 2020.”
For the June 19 al fresco experience, residents of South Pasadena and surrounding communities are invited to browse sidewalk shopping displays and enjoy numerous opportunities for outdoor and indoor dining. Hours may vary, so customers are encouraged to check with the shops and eateries of interest.
For more information, visit the Chamber website at southpasadena.net.
Face coverings and social distancing are required for al fresco shoppers and diners, in compliance with public health protocols for the coronavirus pandemic.
