Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009

BY KIM HUGHES | FOR YOUR CAROLINA FOREST

Every day, we hear of more companies closing or laying off employees, but how are businesses that have recently opened in and around Carolina Forest faring during the economic downturn? So far, they're managing and hoping for a brighter outlook down the road.

At A Touch of Class Bakery/Cafe, located on Postal Way, co-owners Rennay Coleman and Margo Schwam are optimistic about the future. The two met while working together at a local grocery store bakery department and decided to see if they could make it on their own. They chose Carolina Forest because of its potential for future growth.

All the baked goods are made on-site, including breads, cookies, pastries, cakes and more. They're currently gearing up for Valentine's Day with some specialty items, including chocolate covered strawberries, truffles, gift baskets, cupcakes and cookies. They've also held some tea parties on site to bring in more customers.

Schwam said business is brisk during the morning commute. She also sees another wave mid-afternoon.

One of Coleman's specialties is wedding cakes and she has attended some local bridal shows to help spread the word. She's also planning to hold an open house to appeal to spring and summer brides. A recent graduate of Coastal Carolina University, Coleman is enjoying being her own boss and using her creativity. "It's always been a hobby. It's something I love to do."

Jill Marks, owner of Spoof & Poofs, a dog grooming salon, is also getting to do what she loves-working with animals. A Carolina Forest resident and dog owner herself, Marks opened her salon in May 2008 across from Carolina Forest Elementary School.

"I was traveling back and forth to North Carolina [to work] and was getting home late. I decided to give it a shot here," Marks said. "It was a risk. I started from scratch because I had no clientele here."

In addition to grooming and daycare, Marks is also looking to build her client base by offering boarding for dogs 30 lbs. and under. Marks said the business has been growing slowly and she hopes it will continue in that vein. Although she has done some advertising, many of her clients have learned of her business through word-of-mouth.

At the other end of Carolina Forest Boulevard, JerriBob's Ship 'n Stuff just opened Jan. 14. Lisa Bradford, who owns the business with her husband Tim Bradford, said they had looked at other locations but decided on Carolina Forest because of "the housing and the development that's coming out here. It's a perfect mix."

Located in the Forest Village shopping center, the business offers shipping, packing, business services such as copying and faxing, notary services and private mail services. Although it's still early, Bradford said they've had a good bit of traffic.

"People are finally finding out we're open, so business has been steady. The economy really hasn't slowed down a lot of shipping. It's been a pleasant surprise."

At Longbeard's Bar and Grill, located behind the Forest Village shopping center, owner Ronnie Hribar is hoping to make his restaurant, which opened in October of 2008, a community gathering place for families, retirees and sports fans.

Originally open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, Longbeard's just began serving breakfast as well. Because he is there almost 24/7 anyway, Hribar said that the addition was a no-brainer. "Morning is a great time for retirees."

Longbeard's isn't your typical cookie cutter restaurant. The menu offers items you're not likely to find elsewhere, including quail, bison and elk. "We just try to be a little different, a little unique," Hribar said, adding that their recent quail and grits special was a big success. "People have been very receptive to new things."

Hribar has been pleased by the restaurant's early successes to date and hopes the community will be able to band together to withstand the economic downturn. "Let's turn this around. A little more positive cheer and we'll pull ourselves out of this."

Located mid-point on Carolina Forest Boulevard, Plantation Storage at Carolina Forest offers storage as well as a conference and business center for clients. Charles Chase, II, owner of the facility, said the area was chosen for its potential growth and he and his employees set out early to help make the business a success.

"We peppered the landscape," Chase said, explaining that they did some marketing prior to the business actually opening, including advertising, attending community meetings and joining local professional organizations.

Those efforts have definitely paid off. "We are probably 35 percent ahead of our budget projections," Chase said. "In the first eight months, we did more than we projected in the first 12 months."

During certain life transitions, including divorce, downsizing and kids moving back in with parents, a self storage facility can come in handy. "While we are in no way recession proof, we are somewhat recession resistant," Chase said.

The facility was recently recognized as New Facility of the Year by Mini-Storage Messenger, a trade publication for the self storage industry.

Jeff Rodier, owner of the Art and Frame Outlet, recently opened his business despite the sour economy. Formerly in real estate, Rodier saw the writing on the wall and knew it was time to make a change. With a background in framing and art, he opened a small shop on George Bishop Parkway opposite Hard Rock Park about a year ago. That initial "hole-in-the-wall" shop turned into a much larger facility just across the parking lot where he celebrated with a grand opening on Jan. 24.

Because most of his customers are residential, he knew even high-end buyers would become more budget conscious in this economy. "Everything I sell, I own," Rodier said. "All the materials I use I knew I could get incredible bargains on." With clients from Pawleys Island up into North Carolina, his business remains centrally located for many.

While some might question Rodier's decision to remain opposite Hard Rock Park after its demise, the choice was intentional. "My decision to stay here is based on the fact that it allows me to continue to offer low prices. Hard Rock's misfortune is my benefit."