Business of Hermosa Beach: Then & Now
By Michelle Crispin
Hermosa Beach isn’t just a postcard-perfect stretch of sand – it’s a community shaped by the people who’ve built their lives and livelihoods here. Walk around town and you’ll find businesses that have part of the city for decades, alongside newcomers already making their mark.
Some names are woven into the fabric of Hermosa. Spyder Surf Shop has been here for over 40 years, and long-time favorites like The Bottle Inn, Martha’s, and Java Man are staples for both locals and visitors. Even businesses that are no longer here have left their mark – like the creative energy sparked by the Insomniac Cafe’ in the ‘60s, a spirit that lives on in spaces such as the Hermosa Art Gallery, Shockboxx, Hermosa Sound Lab, and The Studio.
Now a new wave of entrepreneurs is shaping the future. Along Hermosa Avenue, standout new restaurants like Vin Folk, Attagirl (both Michelin-recognized), Ryla, Fox & Farrow, and the Hermosa Brewing Company have transformed the area into a dining destination. Shops like Curious, Gum Tree, Forma, and Beach & Beverly bring fresh style and unique finds, and boutique coffee spots and wellness studios are creating modern gathering places while keeping the small-town spirit intact.
Old or new, these businesses share more than just an address in Hermosa Beach. They’re part of the ongoing story of a town that thrives on character, community, and the kind of deep roots that keep people – and their customers – coming back. ■
HB BUSINESS TRIVIA
Q: What is the oldest business in HB?
A: There are two HB businesses that are over 100 years old: Granny’s Grocery & Deli and Learned Lumber, both founded in 1924.
Q: What are some HB businesses that have been used as sets in iconic movies and TV series?
A: The Lighthouse was featured in La La Land, and the Sea Sprite Motel has appeared in shows like Veronica Mars, Gilmore Girls, and The O.C.
Q: What HB business has a unique story about how its featured was secured?
A: Hermosa Cyclery. In 1987, founder Harold “Schu” Schumaker willed the shop to four of his employees–Steve Collins, Larry Burke, Mark McNeill, and Ken Liebowitz–who still own and operate the bike shop today.