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Ruben Larrazolo, owner of Alebrijes Mexican Bistro in Lodi, has been so busy that he now recommends people make a reservation to ensure a table. (Brian Feulner/News-Sentinel)
Some bright lights are shining in Lodi despite bleak economic days
Despite all the recent bad economic news, you can still find stories that reveal a silver lining on the economy.
In Lodi, businesses are expanding, opening, celebrating milestones and seeing an increase in customers. All of which was almost unthinkable this time last year.
Banking in the black
Even though banks across the country are being bailed out, bought out and in some cases just plain disappearing, Lodi's F&M Bank has remained in a stable position.
"It is due to our conservative underwriting that we do not have the level of problem loans that trouble so many other financial institutions," said Kent Steinwert, president and CEO of the bank. "As a result, we remain financially well positioned ... even in this difficult economy."
F&M is so well positioned, in fact, that it touts having substantial funds available for loans at competitive rates. The company claims one of the main reasons it has done so well is a strong base of agricultural customers. The bank has also been able to work with customers with home loans to modify those loans and stay afloat.
Because of F&M's current condition, "We are receiving an unprecedented inflow of new accounts and deposits," Steinwert said. F&M recently released its earnings for the first quarter of 2009, reporting record amounts. The quarter saw a net income of $5.9 million. The common stock amount was 4.7 percent higher than last year at $7.55 a share.
Not only is the bank stable, but it has been able to expand; F&M Bank's newest branch has opened in Merced, and it has plans for other similar opportunities.
Limited seating, unlimited potential
After opening in 2007, Alebrijes Mexican Bistro quickly became a hot spot for fusion cuisine. Owner Ruben Larrazolo is often seen hard at work in the kitchen preparing the food his customers have come to love.
But when the economy started to starve, Larrazolo feared for his thriving little restaurant on Ham Lane.
"We thought when everything started happening (with the economy) that December was going to be slow," Larrazolo said. Not so. December, he said, stayed busy.
Larrazolo and staff surmised that since December was busy, January would see a drop-off in those dining out. Again they were mistaken. They made the same prediction for February.
"February was as busy as January, and March has been busy," Larrazolo said, almost in amazement. So busy, says Larrazolo, that the dining room is at capacity during most meals through the week. Larrazolo has told loyal customers and newcomers alike that if they want to guarantee a seat, they should definitely call and make reservations.
April Morse, of Weber's Cabinets, talks about what its like to be a woman working in a mostly male-dominated business Tuesday in Lodi. (Brian Feulner/News-Sentinel)
Renovation and filling in furloughs
With the housing market going through more ups and downs than a ride at Disneyland, many homeowners are staying put. But they aren't putting up with the same old surroundings. They're renovating. And in one case, it's creating jobs.
"There's been a lot of bathroom remodeling, I've noticed," said April Morse, the CFO for Weber Cabinets in Lodi. Morse said that though many clients were waiting for tax time to pass, they were putting plans in motion to get a facelift for their kitchens and bathrooms.
"We're slowly picking up business," said Tiffany Gomes of Classic Design Floor-to-Ceiling in Lodi. Whereas Weber Cabinets has an increase in quotes, Gomes' store is seeing more foot traffic and people shopping around. "People are much more price conscious," she said.
As business has increased, Gomes has been able to bring on part-time workers that have had their hours cut at their full-time jobs. When the interior design work becomes plentiful enough, Gomes says they'll be able to offer the part-timers full-time work.
Greg and Colleen Lewis are the owners of the Dancing Fox Winery and Bakery, which they plan to open Friday. (Brian Feulner/News-Sentinel)
Dancing in Downtown
It took two years of planning, permits and building, but on May 1, Greg and Collen Lewis will open the doors on their highly anticipated business: Dancing Fox Winery and Bakery.
The business combines a barrel storage area, tasting room, bakery, coffee shop and pub-style atmosphere and food.
At first, the Lewises were planning on just the winery at the old Cottage Bakery site. Their imaginations spread, and so did their plans.
The bakery was added as a way to showcase Colleen Lewis' baking skills. From there, they figured that if a bakery is serving up hot, fresh goods in the morning, there should be coffee to go along with it. Similar logic led to beer on tap and pub food.
The couple gave the public a taste of what was to come at the recent School Street Wine Stroll, and the public cried for more.
"After the Wine Stroll, people were coming up, banging on the doors and asking, 'Why aren't you open?'" Greg Lewis said.
Along with Dancing Fox, Benson-Ferry is on track to open their tasting room mid May at 112 W. Pine St. in Downtown Lodi.
Pete Knight, the owner of the Lodi A&W Root Beer franchise, has been planning to celebrate the company's 90th anniversary in June. (Brian Feulner/News-Sentinel)
Lodi icon floats into milestone
Last year, Peter Knight, the owner of the Lodi A&W Root Beer restaurant was asked, "What are you doing for the 90th anniversary?"
His response?
"You know, it's time to do something big again," Knight said, referring to a giant root beer float his franchise created a few years back.
A&W, which was created in Lodi, and whose original drive-in restaurant still resides on Lodi Avenue, has grown into a national franchise over the past 90 years.
Rather than let a recession dictate what he could and couldn't do, Knight's idea was to have a nationwide contest. The winner of the contest will be flown to Lodi, put up in Wine and Roses Hotel for three days, taken on a tour of all Lodi has to offer and generally given the star treatment. A local winner will be selected as well and given the same treatment.
Knight said the entire business community has come together to create the positive experience. The idea, he said, was to do something exciting and to put Lodi on the map.
Originally, the corporate office was going to hold a "cruise night" in celebration of anniversary in which all the franchises could have classic car shows.
"I said, 'No, it needs to be bigger than that,'" Knight said.
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Cogito wrote on Apr 30, 2009 10:53 PM:
Lodian wrote on Apr 30, 2009 1:56 PM:
tgomes wrote on Apr 30, 2009 1:17 PM:
whoa nellie! wrote on Apr 30, 2009 1:04 PM:
Ruben and his crew are awesome. And the best guacamole in town! He also did a small catering gig for a friend recently at about $13 per head, with tons of left overs- a great value.
I look forward to Greg & Colleen's new place. "
commonsense1 wrote on Apr 30, 2009 11:17 AM:
Lodian wrote on Apr 30, 2009 9:11 AM:
Lodian wrote on Apr 30, 2009 9:09 AM:
Love A&W, but must keep our visits there to a minimum (unfortunately). :-)
Alebrijes did not impress me. In my opinion the food and service were not satisfactory (I'm being nice here). Hopefully the will improve.
I look forward to visiting the Dancing Fox Winery and Bakery. Sounds great! (I miss Cottage Bakery)
I think I'll be calling Weber Cabinets soon. Great to see a woman in this business.
Glad to see businesses doing well in Lodi! "
Kosmo wrote on Apr 30, 2009 9:00 AM:
Observer wrote on Apr 30, 2009 8:55 AM:
Dirt Claude wrote on Apr 30, 2009 8:49 AM:
salt wrote on Apr 30, 2009 7:54 AM:
Observer wrote on Apr 30, 2009 7:22 AM:
warrenb1973 wrote on Apr 30, 2009 6:38 AM:
Lodicitizen wrote on Apr 30, 2009 6:02 AM:
Comments on this story are now closed.