I recently spent the afternoon walking all over Riviera Village handing out flyers for the Dancing with the South Bay Stars IV performance to shop owners to post in their windows. (I’m sure you’ve all heard that I’m competing in the event this year and I’m trying to drum up votes. BTW, you can vote for me here:http://www.torrancearts.org/dancing-with-the-south-bay-stars-iv/.)
Along the way, I took note of several changes in the Village this New Year.
Harmony Works has closed its doors due to Mike Morales’ health issues. They had a weekend blowout sale and successfully sold just about all the merchandise. Mike’s wife, Royce, has set up a site where you can donate to assist with his recovery – https://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/c/724360/. Get well soon, Michael!
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Le Tete was sharing the retail space with Harmony Works and has now taken it over. When you get a chance, stop in and say hi to Stella. The place looks great and she has a new gallery space featuring local artists. There’s some very cool stuff so you should check it out.
As I walked further down the street, I discovered that Lisa Z is closing this week. After being in business for 25+ years, she’s decided to retire and has sold the building. Great for her, bad for us. Lisa Z was one of my go-to shops. Au revoir mon ami!
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Ella, formerly Mirage, is also closing its doors. This was another of my favorite shops for beach and resort wear.
Gigi’s, opened less than a year ago, has already closed. The windows are covered in plywood – not a good look.
The former Buona Sera space is still empty, as are the dual storefronts on Catalina that used to house Harmony Works and the beauty supply shop. The windows are covered in paper with some drawings advertising a book or website. Does anyone have any idea what’s going on there???
Café Arrigato on Avenue I closed a few months ago and there is already a new Italian restaurant in the space, Bottega Romano. I haven’t been there yet, so stay tuned.
Gina Lee’s Bistro, another Village favorite, has left the building and a new Italian restaurant will be taking its place soon.
I can’t stand seeing empty storefronts – and while I will certainly miss these independent businesses and the proprietors I’ve come to know so well – I look forward to what will come next.
See you in the Village!
