From the Land of Frostie
Arising from the ground where O-Hi Frostie stood will be a new development on Ojai Ave. between Blanche and Canada from Ron Polito. Lease agreements are being generated for an opening in September. According to Mr. Polito, three lease agreements have been signed with local businesses looking to move to a more visible location. Some may be happy to hear that one of the new leases is for Jim & Rob's Fresh Grill, currently located at 535 E Ojai Ave. One of the reasons Jim & Rob's is moving is because Sea Fresh Seafood , owner of the 535 E. Ojai Ave., is looking to expand their business.
At the new location, Jim & Rob's are planning to add a soft serve machine, have mostly indoor seating, and expand seating to about a dozen more then their current location. Many of you know that I am a strong advocate against chain store businesses coming into Ojai and that we need to support our local businesses. In my opinion, if we look to the future rather than dwelling in the past, this is a positive move for Jim & Rob's and indicates a positive aspect to the new development project. I have encouraged Mr. Polito to participate in this forum and perhaps share with us who some of the other tenants might be for the entrance to downtown Ojai. Consider the words of Tyler.
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Comments (5)
Thanks for the positive news. Kenley is right about looking forward. I certainly have my feelings about this history, but dwelling on it changes nothing.When in town, I'll gladly support Jim & Rob's
I'm glad to hear this, I hated to see J&R leave Ojai ave.. I love their burritos. Jim of J&R used to own the grocery store Double J located where the present Ace Hardware stands now. He has a long history in the valley.
I still want my new Frosty for downtown Ojai where the kids feel at home.A new Frosty creating a new history for the young of our town as the Old Frosty did for so many years.
Comment #1 Posted by: Dana and Alyeska-kg6amv@yahoo.com | March 29, 2007 02:18 PM
any philanthropists wish to sponsor an office for
'Doing Good In Ojai'?
no business, no sales, no politics ...
a doorway for Valley residents of growing heart, a window
for the world to witness it ..
a voice for eliminating the speed and congestion
and violence on our roadways --
for making the Valley safe for pedestrians and children
and elders and bicyclists --
for returning the waterways and wildlife, breathable air
and echos of quiet, a community of peace --
and working planetwide to bring back the sacred garden
of Mother Earth, ancient whale and dolphin families,
the sacrosanct cultures of all peoples, new fora
for worldwide dialog and decisionmaking --
global consciousness,
our return of spirit ...
Comment #2 Posted by: Millennium Twain | March 29, 2007 03:22 PM
isn't Jim & Rob's Fresh Grill a chain??
dumasday & blessings
Comment #3 Posted by: Anonymous | March 29, 2007 05:04 PM
Yes, anonymous, I believe they have 2 or 3 locations here in the Valley. By my definition of chain, they are not the type of chain business that is bad for Ojai. See post above by Dana and Alyseka for another reason.
Peace.
Comment #4 Posted by: Kenley Neufeld | March 29, 2007 05:52 PM
Thanks for the info. It presents another side of Mr. Polito which seems to be his supporting local business.
Would his making a place for Frostie be asking too much?
The planning commission did a good job of forcing Mr. P. to scale back, as I understand it.
My real quarrel is with city government who did virtually nothing to support Frostie. They could have moved to have Frostie declared a landmark which would have helped retain Frostie in Politoville.
Through their manager, they argued there was nothing they could do which was false, and worse, based on misinformation which I believe was purposeful propaganda.
I have told council more than once that they are developer and banker biased. They don't like to hear that but it's the truth which I would love to debate with them.
Our city government may not be in bed with developers, an idea floated by the editor of OVN, not by me, but if that is so, why not give more support to a 53 year old landmark business that supported eight families outright and served thousands of young and old citizens food and fun times?
If it looks like duck, quacks like a duck and waddles like a duck, and friends of a feather flock together, councilites, developers and bankers are like three men in tub, rubba dub dub.
Comment #5 Posted by: Dennis Leary | March 30, 2007 05:47 PM