Harbor Pelican Attracts Locals and Visitors Alike

When Ken Sotardi and Ed Boehm first started coming to the harbor for coffee 28 years ago, their regular joint changed hands multiple times and got too crowded with tourists. Since then, they have been coming to for their morning meal and coffee. 

"At the other place we were rushed out too quickly, and parking was horrible," said Boehm. "Here we've been friends with the owners from day one ... and they never rush you out. They are customer-oriented, and the atmosphere is welcoming."

Patrick Nelson, an employee at Harbor Pelican greets customers with high fives and a big smile. 

"The food here is off the hook," Nelson said. "Everybody here is a bunch of beach bums and surfers. When people clock off, they come back just to hang out."

Nelson makes his famous Harbor-invented chocolate caramel iced cappuccino that's perfect for hot days, he said.

"The food is good and the service is excellent," said Sotardi, who has been coming to the Harbor Pelican since 1980.

The ebb and flow of tourists and regulars is steady. People walk in wearing swimsuits and wetsuits, and leave the store with an assortment of things such as new fishing hooks, sunscreen and deli foods. The Harbor Pelican also has a boat dock with gas.

"The thing is," said Boehm. "Here they respect future customers too. The regulars are open to making parking spaces so that new people can come here too. See, we're triple parked." 

Another customer walked up to Boehm and decides to do the "big move." Sotardi and Boehm left their coffees, picked up their keys, and moved their cars so another local could drive away. The technique consolidates spots and helps people park with less frustration. 

"Here at Harbor Pelican, we're always looking out for each other," Boehm said. "Plus, the speciality submarines they have here are amazing. They have stuff on [the menu] you haven't even dreamed of. Everything is fresh and the bread is toasted then and there." 

He gave a hearty smile and Sotardi agreed. 

"It's just super friendly down here," Nelson said. "It's just a good local spot." 

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