Three local businesses share their
recipes for success
I
By Alyssa Morones
n these tough economic times, many small businesses find themselves at the mercy of a hurting market. Onceprosperous shopping centers have devolved into retail wastelands, with empty parking lots and abandoned stores. However, some local businesses have continued to grow and thrive among the ashes of their failed counterparts. While these businesses are varied, they are all founded on similar principles of respect and service — it is this firm grounding from which sprouts success.
Local restaurant Coconut Joe’s just completed its best year in its 20-year history. This is a feat, especially considering the devastation surrounding its location, with former anchor stores Mervyn’s and Circuit long gone. Coughlin attributes his company’s success back to his employees. With the phrase “una familia” (one family) as their mantra, all Coconut Joe’s employees have a true passion for their jobs. “They’re passionate about what they do,” Coughlin said. “Our employees don’t just work at Coconut Joe’s. The employees are Coconut Joe’s.” One recently hired employee told his boss, “I thought I was just getting a job. I didn’t realize I was getting a whole new group of friends.” The owner does an admirable job of maintaining this kind of work environment for his employees through group activities, including an annual hike at Half Dome and group trips, such as a recent one to Los Angeles to see a Broadway play. But community support is key.
Bakersfield Life 2011 Financial Health
A passionate staff, lead by owner Joe Coughlin, keep things running smoothly at Coconut Joe’s.
“Local support is huge in our success,” Coughlin said. “But I wish that people would tune in more to the importance of local business. Nobody wants to see Bakersfield become ‘Anytown.’ We need to protect Bakersfield’s sense of place during the recession. Our small businesses give us a sense of who we are.” Hungry Hunter: Tailoring service to Bakersfield’s standard of excellence The Bakersfield Hungry Hunter has
Photo courtesy of Coconut Joe’s
Coconut Joe’s: We are a family
long made a name for itself both locally and nationally as a successful steakhouse. And while the Hungry Hunter chain didn’t survive the recession, the local, privately owned Hungry Hunter kept on cooking. Owner Kevin Lawless said the Bakersfield restaurant is unique both in its ownership and business practices. When he purchased the restaurant in 1998, he immediately set about making his own changes to the restaurant, tailoring it specifically to the community. Because of its private owner-