Lombardi's Gourmet Deli & BBQ
From a mile around the aroma is unmistakable. Smokey, sweet, mouth-watering, hunger inducing goodness. Yep, that’s barbecue. What’s better than meat slow cooked to perfection over a fire and slathered in tasty sauce? Straight up or between bread, it’s all good and the barbecue luring me in is Petaluma’s long standing - Lombardi’s.
For 20 years now, Lombardi’s Gourmet Deli & BBQ and catering Company, located at 3413 Petaluma Blvd. N. in Petaluma, has been serving up some incredible barbecue. Cooked right on site, you can’t miss the smoke plumes dancing around the restaurant. Their extensive menu includes such items as tri-tip, ribs, chicken, salmon, oysters, and even some veggies. All of which can eaten on a plate or made into a fantastic sandwich. Besides the barbecue, Lombardi’s offers an array of sides to complement your chosen entree. All of the recipes are original and they are constantly working on creating new menu items. Further, Lombardi’s offers top-notch catering service.
Over the years, several barbecue restaurants have come and gone in Petaluma, but Lombardi’s has continued to thrive. When I asked partner, Scott Nelson, what he feels contributes to Lombardi’s continued success, he states; we are locally owned, we work hard, the great food and excellent employees. I want to add great customer service . I love barbecue and Lombardi’s is the best. Whether it’s ribs, chicken or a sandwich I’m in the mood for, Lomabardi’s always delivers excellent food with a smile. Lombardi’s truly is a P-Town Treasure.
Rex Ace Hardware - Since 1907!
Rex Ace Hardware opened it’s doors in 1907 and as such has had a colorful history. It has survived 2 fires, out lived other stores such as Yardbirds, Orchard Supply Hardware, True Value, Wicks, among others, manages to compete with the big boxers, and was even a back drop in the movie “Peggy Sue Got Married.” When current owner/operator Jeff Tomasini purchased the store in 1984 he vowed to keep the Rex Ace Hardware in the name as a tribute to it’s past. When asked what contributes to the continued success he proudly states; “My knowledgeable staff and complete inventory.” His employees have been with him for many years, which in it’s own right is testament to Jeff as a person and boss, but every one of them offers a warm greeting when you enter the store, they provide excellent costumer service and they all have the knowledge to help you with any project you may have going from beginning to end. While Jeff’s store may not have the square footage that the big boxers have, he is able to stock a complete inventory. Through proper management and listening to what his customers want he is able to keep the shelves stocked with everything someone may need for their project. Jeff states, “I may only carry 1 or 2 of a particular item where competitors have 30, but I have what my costumers need when they need it.” “Ultimately” Jeff states, “it comes down to providing great customer service.”
One of my favorite things about the store is you feel like you are stepping in to yesteryear when you enter. From the exterior facade to the hardwood floors, to narrower isles(as compared to today’s big stores), to the greetings from the employees, it just has that comfortable corner store feeling. As an observer while shopping, you will notice the staff knows most of the costumers by name and while hardware may be the number one topic of the day, the conversations can get personal because the staff gets to know their costumers on a personal level. You just don’t get that anywhere else. From a business perspective, time is money. If you really want to save time, shop here. The staff knows pretty much anything you can think of when it comes to hardware and home improvement. So far, for me, I have had every question intelligently answered and have been escorted to exactly what I was looking for. If I didn’t know what I was looking for, they always seem to have a solution. They simply provide excellent, quick, knowledgeable customer service. I’m usually in and out with what ever I need quicker than it would take to find somebody to actually help me in another store, just to find out they don’t have clue what I am talking about or how to help. Jeff Tomasini’s Rex Ace Hardware at 313 B Street in downtown Petaluma is the very definition of a P-Town Treasure. Pay them a visit next time you are out and about or need a key made or a shovel or just some home maintenance advise or some good conversation about the happenings in Petaluma or…..you get the idea. Thank you Jeff and staff.
The Riverfront Art Gallery
“Build it and they will Come” was the philosophy artists and business partners Lance Kuehne and Jerrie Morago had in mind when they decided to open The Riverfront Art Gallery at 132 Petaluma Blvd N. in downtown Petaluma. Finding the right space was a challenge but when their current location became available, they jumped on it. Beating out several others for the space, they opened their doors September of 2007.
Lance and Jerrie are artists themselves so they built the gallery from an artist’s perspective creating a space that would showcase not only their work but would attract other artists to want to display works as well. The worn brick walls, hardwood floors, and dim light create perfect ambiance and an overall feel that art simply belongs in the building. Showing their work at art shows all over the Bay Area, they felt having just one spot would be more cost effective for artists. They began sharing that concept with fellow artists. That concept certainly has seamed to work. Since opening, the gallery has attracted artists from all over the North Bay and beyond. As a result the gallery has won “Best of North Bay” for “Best Art Gallery in Sonoma County” 6 years in a row(2008-2013), and “Petaluma’s People Choice” for “Best Art Gallery” 3 times. Not actually campaigning for the awards made them particularly proud moments for the partners.
Many galleries have come and gone over the years and the recession of 2008 and 2009 were particularly hard years. However, the Riverfront prevailed. When asked how the gallery made it through the hard times they reply; hard work, smart budgeting and an understanding landlord. When asked what contributes to the continued success they reply: running the gallery and managing it from an artist’s perspective, a prime location, but really, “It’s the artists and great artwork that keeps us open.”
Personally I agree. The level of art in the gallery is top notch. There is a continuous rotation of artists and new works. New showcases launch approximately every 2 months. The gallery hosts, painters, sculptors, photographers, and others. As a community, we are fortunate to not only have a tremendous amount of talented artists but a fantastic place to admire and purchase art. I look forward to to seeing who and what is on display next. Visit the gallery when you are downtown Petaluma. Say “Hi” to Jerrie or Lance, take in the atmosphere and enjoy the art. You just might find the perfect piece for your wall. The Riverfront Art Gallery is most definitely a P-Town Treasure.
Petaluma Coffee and Tea Company
Petaluma Coffee and Tea Company, established in 1989, is celebrating it’s 30th year in business. No small feat for any small business much less one with competition from major coffee brands just blocks away. So what has been the secret to the longevity and continued success?
Nick Harris, the company’s general manager, says: “The biggest factor in our success is community. The owners (Sheila and Gardner Bride) have been very active in the Petaluma community over the years and we continue to participate in the many events that make this town special. The relationships we build with our customers become life long friendships and that is the thing we enjoy most of all.”
One of things that is great about Petaluma is the sense of community. We locals prefer to support the small businesses. What makes Petaluma Coffee and Tea Company stand out is they roast all of their own beans and always have - right in the middle of the shop, the ambiance is fantastic, the people are friendly and welcoming, and you always feel comfortable when you step in. The coffee just happens to be great as well, and for you tea lovers, they mix their own blends. Petaluma Coffee and Tea Company truly is a P_Town Treasure. Pay them a visit, hang out, bring some friends and make yourself at home.