BUSINESS CORNER
By Mitch Bull
Spotlight on: SUNSET PET SUPPLY
Walking on the 2200 block of Taraval Street, you first see a sidewalk sign with a chalk message advising you to “Have a Great Day”. This cheery welcome is the first sign that Sunset Pet Supply is a different kind of retail store.
Once inside, the store is overflowing with a wide selection of pet foods, toys, furniture and other accessories. While it may look typical, it isn’t. Co-owners Sanford Johnson and Kimberly Lesher have succeeded in doing what every retail store should strive to achieve- give customer focused service and sell great products in a fun, holistically-based environment.
Johnson and Lesher recently celebrated the 5th anniversary of opening the store, although it kind of started by accident. “Kimberly and I were partners in a dog walking service (Pro Dogwalkers) and when we found out that the store (Petcetera) was closing, we thought, let’s try running a store, it shouldn’t be too difficult”, says Johnson, who added, “we underestimated the degree of difficulty, but we are fortunate to be in a great neighborhood where the customers are focused on value and service and we believe the store offers products and services that provide a real value to our customers.”
While there are many reasons to shop at Sunset Pet Supply, a big difference between them and other retailers is the degree of caring and the focus on quality that the owners and staff undertake in selecting the pet food and products for the shelves. “We’ve decided to carry products by small regional manufacturers that are US based and incorporate more natural products with natural preservatives. The shelf life is less, so we have to be much more aware of our selling cycle as to not have spoilage in the products.
By handling these smaller brands, we can better control quality, and with pet foods this is very important. If the product isn’t good enough to feed to our own pets, we will not stock it” said Johnson.
One only has to look at the recent pet food recall where products were tainted with Chinese-based industrial chemicals and caused a worldwide panic among pet owners, recalled products, and the death of dozens of animals to see where small batch quality control is important.
Their philosophy on natural products extends to all of the products they carry. Their pet toys are also made from natural ingredients, like rubber, instead of PVC, and are also kid safe because when pets leave toys around it is not uncommon for the children to also play with them. SPS also stocks biodegradable dog poop bags (not packaged in a plastic enclosure), organic catnip, and handmade toys for cats and dogs that are made by a local SF vendor. The philosophy of buying locally extends to other things, “It took us 4-5 months to find quality cat furniture that was not imported, made of natural ingredients, and not containing industrial chemicals like melamine and formaldehyde.
Indeed, Johnson and Lesher have taken the practice of integrating environmentally friendly products to a level not readily seen in retail stores. “Everything on our shelves is the result of a conscious decision based on the needs of our customers, our holistic beliefs, and to really focus on the health and welfare of our customers and animal clients.
Observing the customer experience at Sunset Pet, it appears to be a happy experience for all. Music wafts throughout the store and each and every visitor is greeting more like an old friend than a customer. The staff members also seem to get along well in the friendly and relaxed atmosphere. By the way, bring your pet, as the store is extremely pet friendly.
Community Involvement is also the rule of thumb at the store. They have participated in the recent Outlands Music Festival in GG Park, the Pet Pride festivities, and last week’s Taraval Street Fair.
The owners and staff are currently working with the SF Homeless Youth Alliance to collect jackets, blankets, sweaters, socks and sleeping bags to help homeless kids get through the upcoming winter season. If you have items to donate they can be dropped off at the store.
With great products, a friendly atmosphere, and experienced, trained staff members who can answer all of your pet related questions, Sunset Pet Supply should be your first choice when looking for products that support your pet in the very best way. The store is located at 2226 Taraval Street, between 32nd and 33rd Avenue, and is open Monday through Friday from 10 am – 7 pm, Saturday from 9:30 am – 6:30 pm, and from Sunday from 11 am -6 pm. You can reach them at 415-661-4236 or on the web at www.sunsetpetsupply.com.
Coming up in future issues: Just Because Cards and Gifts and Massage Envy
November 2008
The Italian-American Social Club
A restaurant for everyone that makes you feel like you’re in the family dining room
In these modern times, restaurants come and go, each one trying to be sleeker and more cutting edge. Too often, they fail to catch on and are quickly gone with a “For Lease” sign in the window of an expensively remodeled space.
This month we take a trip to ‘old Italia’ at the Italian American Social Club, a place where generous servings of food, friendly staff and a great bar offer patrons an evening of dining the way it used to be…and still is.
Located in San Francisco’s Excelsior District, the restaurant is located at 25 Russia Avenue, off of Mission Street in the Southern end of the city, just before Mission crosses into Daly City.
Like the neighboring Crocker-Amazon area, the district was originally home to many families of Italian ancestry and it was a merging of two fraternal men’s clubs that created the modern club and location.
Starting in 1928 a group of men met in the basement of Mario Blengino’s home to organize a social club that would be a credit to their community. They soon outgrew the space and rented a spot on Russia Avenue they called The Aurora Club. When this club merged with the Alfieri Club in 1935, the Italian American Social Club was born, and the group took on the task of building and financing their own building.
In 1940 the present building at 25 Russia Avenue was completed and opened, with a week of celebrations including a parade and a banquet attended by many city officials.
Flash forward 68 years to 2008, and the I.A.S.C. is still going strong, with a membership of over 200 and a restaurant and banquet hall that is well known for hosting wedding receptions, birthday parties, and large banquets for over 250 guests.
Even though the location sounds like an exclusive venue, the restaurant is open to the public on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, with lunch being served from 11 A.M. until 2 P.M. and dinner from 5 P.M. until 9 P.M.
The restaurant benefits from having its’ own free parking lot across the street, with plenty of parking at most times. With an “old time” 40 foot long bar, the IASC is a great place to meet friends for a drink, or to strike up a conversation with one of the regulars before settling in for a sumptuous Italian dinner.
Dinners are very reasonably priced, with “Specials of the Day” being priced at $16.95. Unlike many modern day eateries, these specials include soup or salad, and ice cream in the pricing. Entrees such as Italian Sausage and Polenta, Lamb Shank, Veal Parmigian, Calamari Steak, or Red Snapper are typical of the specials. They also have other entrees such as New York Steak, Salmon, and a variety of dinner salads. The serving sizes are large, and it’s doubtful that many people walk away without getting their money’s worth.
Rich Guaraldi, the long-time Manager of the IASC is most welcoming when hosting people and talking about the club, “We really try to treat everyone as if they are members of our family. Families have been coming here for generations. Everything we do is about family.”
Sitting at a table having dinner, there is music coming from the speakers, and it almost feels like you are having dinner at your Italian Nana’s house, even if, like me, your ancestry isn’t from the old country. It’s not uncommon to have people sitting at the table next to you speaking Italian.
Guaraldi and his staff handle catering events in their four banquet rooms, holding events for between 40 and 250 people.
Headed by Paul Guistos, Chairman, and Frank Cena, President, the I.A.S.C. celebrated the 77th anniversary of the club’s existence in 2008. It’s easy to see why they remain a San Francisco tradition.
Located at 25 Russia Street, you can contact the I.A.S.C. at (415) 585-8059. For more information, visit the website at www.IASCSF.com
October 2008
Back to Sports
– Therapy and Fitness
We live in an era where packed waiting rooms are much too common when dealing with most medical practitioners. And when you finally get in, in many cases, you don’t get to see the medical professional, as aides, and assistants do most of the evaluations.
Located at 254 West Portal Ave. (in the former Copperfield’s location) owners Cynthia Pagan and Darren Badong have assembled a friendly, professional and experienced PT and chiropractic staff that strives to provide individually-tailored therapy programs for each of their clients.
Clayton Wu (D.C), Nora Cacinindin (MPT) and Kristin Henry (MPT) have all worked in the large “assembly-line” types of clinics where “hands on” type of work is not possible. Each of them loves the environment at the West Portal therapy and fitness center.
As Cacinindin described, “In my 28 years of providing PT I have been in all types of clinics. I love the environment at Back to Sports because we can really simplify the treatment processes and provide targeted individual service so that our clients don’t feel like they are being shuffled around”. The UC trained Kinesiologist and Therapist went on to say that by providing a smooth effortless transition from recovery to fitness each of the staff can chart each person’s progress and needs.”
Kristin Henry, who studied at the University of Michigan and Northwestern University, has been working in PT for over 12 years, and in addition to general therapy, she also works with women who are new moms or moms-to-be.
“I like to work with both pre-natal and post-partum women as they face different health issues, especially with muscles that can be tweaked during pregnancy. Often times, they try to do the same workouts that they “used to do” and end up with a muscle or tendon injury. That’s where I can help them get back to good health”, said Henry, who can relate to her clients as a mom herself.
The third member of the team is Clayton Wu, who earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from the Palmer West Chiropractic College, in California. As a chiropractor he can evaluate and diagnose injuries and recommend a course of treatment for the patient and therapists’ to follow. He also enjoys the close patient contact that he can have. “Unlike a typical “office” with examination rooms, our rooms are adjacent to our working areas. It’s more like a gym than a clinic. We use state of the art equipment such as ultrasound, bio feedback, electrical stimulation units, inversion tables, traction and the basic cold and hot packs to work the muscles, but unlike most places I have worked, we can then personally show our clients the specific exercises for strengthening by just walking them around the corner and doing the exercises with them”, stated Wu.
With the ability to tailor recovery and fitness programs to each individual client, the staff members can help everyone reach their own specific goals, such as increased flexibility, pain relief and management, or increasing the level of fitness. They see themselves as guides to help each of us on our journey to good health.
Cacamimdin summed it up best when she said, “Invest in yourself. Your health is your biggest asset, and after all you can’t fully enjoy your life if you are in poor health.”
Back to Sports Therapy and Fitness is located at 254 West Portal Avenue. In addition to the staff members listed certified personal fitness trainers are available to structure a fitness program. The center is open by appointment only. Contact them at (415) 759-8978 to schedule an appointment.
September 08
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By Mitch Bull
Is your canine companion looking a little scruffy; perhaps in need of a flea bath; or just a little pampering? If so, consider booking an appointment for ‘Rover’ or ‘Princess’ at “The Dog Spa”, a pet salon specializing in dogs, located at 169 West Portal Avenue.
Owners Jenny Huynh and Ada Wong opened the salon two years ago with the purpose of providing dog owners with a one-stop venue for cleaning and grooming services for any type of canine (except biting ones…).
The Dog Spa offers a large menu of services such as shampooing, flea treatments, nail clipping and grooming, as well as de-matting and skunk spray de-odorizing and skin treatments.
When asked what sets their business apart from other grooming providers, Huynh explained, “It’s the personalized level of service. I started in this business after I became a pet owner and really enjoyed the care and grooming aspect of caring for my dog. I looked around and there didn’t seem to be many services that provided personalized service for dogs, so I decided to take the training to become a certified groomer and eventually opened the shop with Ada (Wong) who I met through a mutual friend.”
Both Huynh and Wong understand that working with many breeds and types of dogs can provide different challenges. From puppies having their “first haircut”, to older pets that may be suffering from vision or hearing loss, the two professionals are well prepared to provide their services in a caring and personal way.
In fact, in addition to being “Certified Groomers”, they are also trained and certified in canine CPR and first aid for treatment in case of emergencies.
Providing extra care and a personalized touch also sets them apart from other large grooming services, “It can be a little stressful for the pet client when their owners drop them off for grooming, so we work by appointment only. This gives the pet companion and their dogs a clear window of time (usually about 2 hours) for the grooming or cleaning to occur since we don’t want to just have a pet client dropped off early in the morning and left all day. It’s a lot less stressful for the pets this way”, said Huynh, who added, “Sometimes we have cancellations, so if someone needs help in a last minute type of situation, we will try to accommodate their needs if we can.”
In addition to the myriad of grooming services, the store also features a large selection of dog accessories such as beds, toys, clothing, leashes, and collars and of course, doggie treats.
The Dog Spa is open 7 days a week, from 10-5, at 169 West Portal Avenue. You can find them by following the doggie footprints on the front window, or by calling them at 415-661-8333. They also are accessible through their website @ www.thedogspasf.com.
September 2008
