LB Exchange Now Open for Business

Two years ago, for all intents and purposes, there was no McGowen Street in Long Beach. Now McGowen has an active Main Street vibe, diners and shoppers filling the slant parking spaces and sidewalk area at noon, most every weekday off the 3800 block of Lakewood Boulevard, which is where McGowen enters Long Beach Exchange (LBX).

In January 2017, Beachcomber reporter, the late Sean Belk, first presented a word picture of the proposed LBX. “The new shopping center will feature three distinct shopping zones, expected to work seamlessly together to create a singular experience for locals and visitors alike.” The project finished in about two and a half years.

The Whole Foods 365 opened in fall 2018, the Hangar opened about six months ago. LBX also sponsors community events like National Pet Day on Saturday, Aug. 24 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Pet Smart. A note of caution, though. while animals are allowed throughout LBX, they are not allowed inside The Hangar,  one of three zones with names inspired by aviation lingo, McGowen’s Approach, The Landing and The Hangar@LBX. 

The Landing is “a grand-scaled 1.25-acre central plaza” with drought-tolerant vegetation, a reflective water feature and commemorative art and historical timeline installations. According to one merchant, on weekends, this grassy area near the parking lot is “loaded with kids.”

When partially opened in spring 2018, the LBX had 28 businesses. As of early August 2019, there are 37 businesses, including 12 vendors inside The Hangar. In an effort to create balance, there are 21 restaurants and 16 retail storefronts.

Not every business survived, but the two lapses, Orchard Supply Hardware and the controversial Yellow Fever fast food inside Whole Foods 365, both closed down all their operations outside their opening at LBX.

“Coming soon” eateries include Wahoo’s, ReMix Kitchen Bar and Plancha Latin Kitchen, with no grand opening date announced.

Dining opportunities range from fine dining to The Hangar’s bus-your-own-table.

The 908 opened in June 2019. Described by partner Ciaran Gough as “elevated American cuisine.” A resident of Long Beach for 16 years, Gough has a background in the grocery industry and setting up “quirky” dining spots in Austin, Portland and Denver. The 908 offers from several genres, steak, prime rib, lobster roll and the ever-popular poke bowl. “The star is protein, then produce,” said Gough, who has just partnered with a local gardener to supply some produce.

As distinctive as The 908 food is the interior décor. “We use as many Long Beach  businesses as we could,” said Gough. With IDA as architect, the walls are covered with iconic architectural paintings from all over the city such as the Farmers and Merchants Bank, the NuPike, Press-Telegram and the Villa Riviera. Not noted is the Queen Mary. Of CSULB art students who submitted work, Gough selected a few pieces from two. The mural is by Matthew O’Connell, the smaller south wall paintings are by Riley White.

Visitors entering a 16,800-square-foot The Hangar are greeted by a vintage airport arrival/departure board displaying the names of the various vendors. In the center is a large dining area, food stalls along the east and west walls, lots of international cooking from Turkish to Mexican and many cultures in-between. The food storefronts just to the south were previously the only game in Douglas Park.

“I’ve tried most of the places inside The Hangar,” said one LBX regular. “Amorcito is really good tacos and Mexican food; Jaybirds is a hot chicken place that just opened. I hate spicy food; the spicy one is hot. Blue Bowl just opened up serving customized acai, like a smoothie, you can add toppings.”

On a McGowen Street corner, Georgia’s Restaurant is operated by family members of Gretchen Shoemaker, who specialize in southern cooking.

Shoemaker’s daughter, Nika Shoemaker-Machado, said the first Georgia’s opened at the Anaheim Packing District in June 2014. Georgia’s was named after George Shoemaker, the late husband of  professional caterer, Gretchen Shoemaker, who aimed to translate her skill at southern dishes to opening a restaurant. Gretchen, called “Nana” by the staff, visits each kitchen in each location once a week to check on the business.

The most popular entrée is the fried chicken, which combines two influences: Gretchen’s cornbread crust and her Brazilian husband’s buttermilk. Among other offerings are a half dozen po-boys with fillings like catfish, shrimp or spicy andouille. 

Comparing the customer demographic, Shoemaker-Machado said Anaheim draws an international crowd, thanks largely to Disneyland, while the new McGowen Street location draws community members.

Shoemaker-Machado has definite plans to expand, possibly franchise in the not too distant future. One of the questions she, her husband or her mother is often asked, “Are you from the south?”

Truthfully  the answer must be yes: “South Orange County.”

steve@beachcomber.news