Local Charm II

In part two of a series, we profile ten locally-owned businesses that give our downtown its undeniable charm.

By Shelly Betz

HQ 59 | AUTUMN 2006

There’s no doubt about it. Huntington residents love the downtown businesses, as evidenced by the many letters and phone calls we received following Part One of our two-part series on Downtown’s Local Charm. On the following pages we revisit another group of downtown businesses that are also part of the collective success of downtown Huntington, making it a must-see attraction among the locals and travelers alike. Some may call it a rebirth of the city’s long and rich heritage, now able to compete among the plethora of other entertainment, shopping and dining attractions in the region. With plans for the new plaza nearing completion, downtown Huntington is inspiring an infectious energy that permeates the core of the city, stretching from Pullman Square to midway up Fifth Avenue. While some businesses are approaching a centennial anniversary, others are relative newcomers who have captured the hearts of area residents and visitors with their tenacity for success, improvement and down-home charm.

Jeff’s Bike Shop
Jeff Joy’s passion for biking began at an early age. By high school he was competing in races and pretty much knew that one day he would have a bike shop of his own. In 1989 Jeff’s Bike Shop opened, specializing in bicycle sales and service for all makes and models, including popular brands like Trek, Specialized and Diamond Back. Jeff says that biking has always been a popular sport, long before seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong made it a national and international phenomenon. The bike shop sells specialty bikes ranging in price from $200 to $5,000, along with a complete line of accessories that include seats, helmets, gloves, tires and more. According to Jeff, customers typically fit into three categories: those who enjoy biking as part of an exercise regimen, road bike riders and recreational cyclists. “Customer service is the key to our business,” adds Jeff. Store Hours are Monday 10 am – 8 pm; Tuesday through Friday 10 am – 6 pm; Saturday 10 am – 4 pm. Visit the Jeff’s Bike Shop website at jeffsbikeshop.com for product details.

Vic’s Ivy Cuisine
Vickie Goodson-Scott has a discriminating palate. The former international flight attendant has dined in some of the finest restaurants in the world. When she opened her downtown eatery back in 2003, Goodson-Scott had plenty of inspiration to draw upon for her passion to cook and entertain. Now, she prepares a delectable variety of fresh, homemade dishes in her own café-style restaurant which sits in the heart of downtown’s plaza area, offering customers the choice of dine-in, take-out or delivery. Menu options include such favorites as chicken salad croissant, orange-almond salad and five-onion soup. The business also provides on site catering, with a private rental of the restaurant space, as well as off-site catering, concierge and event planning. “We provide a beautiful, elegant, delicious service that is unique,” she said. Café Hours are Monday through Friday, 11 am – 3 pm.

Wright’s
Now this is precisely the stuff legacies are made of. Wright’s of Huntington, founded by George H. Wright in 1908, has been suiting area businessmen for nearly 100 years. In fact, Mr. Wright himself held bragging rights after being voted the Best Dressed Man in America during a competition in Atlantic City, NJ in the 1930’s. Located on the corner of what many regard as the cornerstone of downtown Huntington, Wright’s enjoys a reputation for carrying the finest in apparel choices. While classic fashion and trends have evolved over the decades, current owners Chuck and Carol Jambe are steadfast in their commitment to follow the high standards of customer service and quality so endeared by George H. Wright. In addition to offering women’s clothing and accessories, the downtown clothier also enjoys exclusive status for offering custom-design shirts and suits, in addition to its full-service onsite tailoring for customers with a proclivity for a distinctive style of dress. Store hours are 10 am until 5 pm, Monday through Saturday. Visit the Wright’s website at www.wrightsonline.com for product details.