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Nearly squashed out of existence several times by big business, adverse redevelopment, and harsh economic climates, Rutabegorz Restaurants poignantly displays the principles of business perseverance and community preservation. The small Orange County chain of health conscious cafés began in 1970 and thrives today because the founder and management strongly believe in community and historical preservation.
"Rutas has always been about preserving and building the community among county and city residents" said Paul Berkman, owner and founder of Rutabegorz Restaurants. "We've tried to leave a legacy of community support in each of the cities we have restaurants by cultivating relationships and affording our patrons a place to do the same." In Fullerton, where the first branch opened, the restaurant faced its first obstacles with the local phone company. Pacific Telephone wanted to buy the lot where the restaurant was located and replace it with their facilities. Fortunately, in only two years of existence, the popular café raised widespread community support that eventually led to a successful battle in court and the firm establishment of the restaurant in the area. The success over Pacific Telephone helped demonstrate the need to protect property important to the community and sparked the interest to identify and preserve the cities landmark properties. "In short" said Bob Lanel, Fullerton City Manager of Redevelopment, "this property (Fullerton Rutabegorz) is directly tied to the origins of the preservation movement in Fullerton." Other city officials and locals also testify to the precedent that Rutabegorz set in the community. When Paul opened his second Rutabegorz in Tustin, he had a similar theme of preservation in mind. He chose one of the oldest buildings in Tustin, built in 1914 by the son of Columbus Tustin. Like Fullerton Rutabegorz, the Tustin branch had rough beginnings. On several occasions, the city government dug up the streets adjacent to the restaurant and made construction decisions that prevented clear access to the café. Also, plans to redevelop elsewhere in Tustin, other than the old town area where the restaurant is located posed threats of obscurity and lower attendance. Through it all, however, Tustin Rutabegorz emerged as a local center of vibrant activity as locals found sharing a meal at the quaint café increasingly an integral part of their every day life. "I would say that 70% of our bustling crowd during the week is comprised of locals that frequent our restaurant 3 to 4 times a week" said Paul Berkman. "It only makes sense that because we have made a restaurant for the community that the locals be the ones who visit most."
So what is in the future for Rutabegorz? Expansion? New branches in other locations. We just do not know, but that does not mean there will not be other new enterprises from Paul Berkman. The restaurant owner has some plans for an area in Fullerton that might just be his crowning achievement. We will have to wait and see. For now, the speculation serves as a great topic of discussion over a fine cup of coffee and cheesecake amongst friends. |
