Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Pretty.
Lauren, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Pre-Pandemic, my brother and I were looking to lease a space for a fine-dining restaurant in Long Beach. After Corona Virus hit, we realized we needed to pivot our concept somehow. We had previously talked about opening a Sandwich Shop. Because sandwiches are easily done to-go, we decided that it would be a better concept for the moment. Although I was nervous about opening a restaurant during this time, we decided to believe in ourselves, and we took a leap of faith. We saw a building on the corner of 7th and Saint Louis that looked interesting. I hand wrote a note explaining who we were and asking to meet with the owner if possible. We received a phone call the next day. Two weeks later, we were signing a lease. We got to work right away, the first step was to fix and paint the exterior of the building. Then we tore out the bar and wood paneling inside. With the help of friends and family, we were able to get the exterior looking good, and one side of the duplex completely remodeled inside. Eight weeks later, we opened Heritage Sandwich Shop.
Today we have been open for nine weeks. We are receiving a lot of positive feedback about how good the food and drinks are which is exciting and feels good. I once read, “Every time you spend money for a small business, someone does a happy dance.” It’s been really fun for me to work alongside my brother. He and I work service together everyday, with our three employees, Max, Noe and Tessa. Which could not be more true for me. Although this has not been the easiest time to open a business, I know it will only make us grow stronger and more prepared for what the future will bring. We are currently remodeling the space next door to be a tasting room. It will be a more refined, sit-down dining experience. It’s nice to have something to look forward to and keep our forward momentum going. I am so grateful to be in a position where I am able to create and work during a time that has been extremely difficult for many.
Has it been a smooth road?
I would love to say that it has been a smooth road, but this journey has certainly come with many bumps along the way. Of course, the pandemic has come with its own set of challenges. Long Beach City employees are all working from home. And while everyone has been extremely nice, it’s all been through email. Sometimes I wish that I could just go to city hall and talk to someone in person. Business in general is moving slower, but thats okay. It is teaching me patience, and I trust that everything is unfolding in divine timing.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Together my brother and I own Heritage Sandwich Shop. Our menu is seasonal, though we do have a few staple items. The Brisket Sandwich is our most popular. Chef smokes Brisket all day on Tuesday’s and we fill the neighborhood with the enticing smell of smoked meat. The sandwich is topped with coleslaw, pickles, and garlic aioli. All of our sandwiches are served on Hey Brother Baker bread, which is located in Bellflower. All of our produce comes from the Santa Monica Farmers Market. We use sustainable meat and seafood. All of our To-Go ware is compostable and recycled. We truly care about what kind of footprint we are living in our community.
It is important for us to support as much local business as we can. Our Aprons are from Tania Bambridge, Logo designed by Brent Tabuso, our Tea comes from Offshore, and we use Maritime Delivery service, all Long Beach companies. Our mission is to source one hundred percent of our product from California, when possible. I have been bartending since 21, so I make all of our drinks. Currently, we offer house-made seasonal sodas and fresh-squeezed lemonade. We are in the process of obtaining our beer and wine license.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Long Beach is one of the fastest-growing cities in the united states, so yes I do believe that it is a good place to start a business, but that also means there is a lot of competition. Long Beach is very good about supporting small businesses, more than anywhere else in Los Angeles, in my opinion. Philip and I live walking distance from Heritage, and I think thats important. People see us here everyday, putting our heart and soul into this place, and I think that the community has responded well to that. We talk to the neighbors, they ask how business is doing, they tell their friends about us. I know that if something ever happened, our neighbors are protecting us. If you’re from Long Beach, you know that it has a very special small-town feel. I feel lucky to have been born here. I don’t see myself ever leaving.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2032 E 7th St. Long Beach, CA 90804
- Website: heritagesandwichshop.com
- Phone: 562-343-1068
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @heritage_sandwich_shop
Image Credit:
Sterling Reed
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
