The new owners of OB Hardware – Mike DeEmedio and Michael Grimes – have issued a reassuring message to Ocean Beach, confirming that they have indeed bought the business and its inventory, and that “the Ocean Beach hardware store is not going anywhere.”
They pledged to maintain all the same products Carl and Carolyn did for nearly four decades, plus promised “some changes.” And they thanked the 770 people who signed the change.org petition.
Finally Mike and Michael asked all those OBceans to “remember your pledge and make every effort to support the store.”
Here is the message, which was posted on change.org:
Feb 22, 2019 —
Dear Ocean Beach,
Imagine every time you needed a screw you had to fight the lights, navigate the Sports Arena traffic, the parking lots, the lines, and try not to lose your cool with the self-checkout computer at “you-know-where” just so your damn door hinge fits tight again. That 15 minutes each way would be annoying to most of us, to say the least, but to the local Ocean Beach businesses that make those runs five times a day, it would threaten their livelihood. And those businesses and the people who depend on them are the soul of this town.
It is with great pleasure that I can officially report what many of you already know – that the Ocean Beach hardware store is not going anywhere. We have purchased the inventory and will be keeping all of the same products and services that Carl and Carolyn have provided for the last 38 years – not to mention the same great staff at the same location.
We felt strongly, as you did, that losing such a central thread in the fabric of OB was a step too far, and we weren’t willing to sit by and watch it happen. I want to thank all 770 of you who signed the change.org petition. It was your enthusiasm for the old store that got the ball rolling and made us believe that the business can still work in 2019. We’ve got ideas, you’ll see some changes – we think you’ll like them.
See you in March!
Mike DeEmedio & Michael Grimes
PS: We’re going to do everything we can to make you want to shop at OB Hardware, all we ask is you remember your pledge and make every effort to support the store.
(Hat tip to Nicole Ueno)
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Congrats Mike & Michael ! Just keep those galvanized dryer vent ducts (articulating 90 degree elbows, of course). Dottie knows where to find them!
We absolutely will continue to shop at OB Hardware! There are also some supplies you guys carry that the Greyhound Adoption Center needs to purchase from time to time. Dotty knows where to find them!
I always go there first, convenience, friendly knowledgeable folks and walking or bicycle distance. Why go anywhere else for home fixes. Good luck with the new OB hardware looking forward to getting it done Thanks
Best news all year.
I was heartbroken when I first heard they might close. It’s such a fixture that perhaps some have wrongly assumed OBH could persist without their steady patronage.
I hope you’ll “screwing” OB for another 100 years. See you soon!
Great news ! John and Dottie are the best ! Love the new owners, too !