Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellen Rehak.
Hi Ellen, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Run Out Groove Records was founded by myself, Ellen Rehak, and my partner, Jeff Ferguson in 2022. The shop is a labor of love for both of us, as we’re both avid music fans and lifelong record collectors.
What started as a cataloguing project of our home collection during the Covid lockdown, then turned into a side hustle selling off duplicates and unnecessary discs, eventually morphed into a physical store.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We have been very lucky, first in finding an affordable location in the Magnolia Park neighborhood of Burbank and then being warmly welcomed by the community.
Like most small businesses, keeping expenses as low as possible, and managing cash flow and debt are the day-to-day challenges.
Being a retail business, anticipating the wants and needs of our clientele – ordering new releases and reissues that connect with people and will sell well – is another consistent challenge. (A challenge that can be very rewarding when we get it right!)
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Run Out Groove Records?
We are a boutique independent record store specializing in Jazz and Rock, 1960s onward. Our space is pretty tiny, at 350 sq/ft, we strive to keep our collection carefully curated.
I come from a hospitality background, having spent 30+ years in the restaurant industry, so I feel very proud when people compliment us on the welcoming feel of the store. We are very focused on creating an inclusive, friendly vibe in the shop on the daily, as well as hosting special events and arts shows that are geared to the community here in Burbank.
We also host art and photography shows (Koury Angelo; Jill Emery), book signings (Ben Acker), and in-store musical performances (Fred Armisen, Brendan Hines).
We’re known for our substantial jazz collection, our general love of music, and our neighborhood stop-in and shoot-the-breeze vibe.
What were you like growing up?
I was an outgoing kid, Though I have always been a hard worker, I was much happier to socialize than focus on schoolwork.
Musically, discovering punk and glam rock in my early teens was pivotal. The Ramones, the Stooges, X, New York Dolls, Blondie, etc.
My main interests quickly turned to seeing bands and absorbing the culture of the scene.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.runoutgrooveburbank.com
- Instagram: @runoutgrooverecords
Image Credits
Brian Anton, Koury Angelo
