LocalPages is pleased to announce our latest Small Business of the Week Winner, Royal Pizzeria!  If you happen to be in Santa Clarita, stop by this treasured establishment located at 27530 Newhall Ranch Rd., Unit 107 Valencia, CA. Truly a gem in the Santa Clarita Valley, this well-loved pizzeria is frequented by a lot of individuals, and not just because of the quality of food. Royal Pizzeria’s owner, Sunny Sadeghi is very hands on, and genuinely cares about his customers and employees. Patrons, as well as his former and present employees all rave about how Sunny is such a father figure to the people around him.

Just one visit at this local pizzeria and you wouldn’t want to go back to the giant pizza chains.  Their menu has tons of items that are fit for any appetite and budget.  For starters, they offer soups and salads for under $3.00, and they have daily specials that are priced under $5.00. They also have discounts for students!  Who knew that two pizza slices and a drink can cost as low as $3.25? Just present your school ID and avail of their special deals.

The quality of the pizza is guaranteed, because they’re made with 100% Mozzarella cheese and fresh ingredients. They even make their own dough every morning! If you brought your appetite, check out any of their specialty, gourmet, or chicken pizzas. Feeling creative? At Royal Pizzeria, individuals can customize their pizzas to their heart’s content with numerous toppings to choose from, including pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, artichokes, and Jalapenos, just to name a few. Be sure to partner up your dishes with refreshing beverages; you don’t want to miss out on their great beer and wine prices!

And of course, what kind of Italian restaurant would Royal Pizzeria be if they didn’t have pasta? Whether you prefer red sauce or white sauce, their menu’s pasta selection will surely appeal to you.

Aside from inside dining and delivery, Royal Pizzeria also provides cratering for corporate and special events, as well as fundraising programs.  If you need more details about their menu and services, or if you’re just looking for a great pizza restaurant in Valencia, CA, you may call them at 661-607-0107.

June 21st marks the first official day of summer, but the date holds a different meaning to those involved with extreme sports. Go Skateboarding Day is a national event designed to give a notoriously underground activity mainstream appeal. Skaters everywhere show off their skills in skate parks, contests, and old fashioned street sessions. The LocalPAGES team caught a glimpse of a few brave souls shredding the helipad on top of a 17 story high rise in Los Angeles, CA!

We wish everyone a most excellent Go Skateboarding Day! How do you celebrate?

The LocalPAGES team is pleased to announce our latest Business of the Week Winner, The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant! Located at 198 5th St. San Francisco, CA 94103, this authentic pub adds a touch of Celtic flair to the Bay Area. The building itself stands as a historical landmark dating back to the Depression era. Immediately after the repeal of Prohibition, the original owner Mark McVeigh founded M & M Tavern as a home away from home for the Irish immigrant community. His son, Al McVeigh, took over the family business from 1941 until 1989. The current management maintains the same commitment to their cultural roots, especially when it comes to promoting international sports.

At first glance, the Chieftain resembles the archetypal Northern European watering hole. The traditional decor of copper shields, stained glass, and beer steins combined with the Mahogany paneling creates a homey effect. Guests often frequent the establishment on game nights to watch hockey, baseball, basketball, and soccer on the big screens. The Chieftain also sponsors special events, including live musical performances. Regulars stay up to date through the official monthly newsletter and receive exclusive discounts via the Royalty Rewards program. Loyalists earn points every time they stop by for food or drinks. Once they reach a certain amount, they get award certificates in the mail. In addition to the frequent discounts, the Chieftain provides Royalty members with complementary dining on their birthdays and anniversaries!

The menu showcases homespun Irish favorites along with unique local creations. Patrons satisfy hearty appetites with Guinness beef pot pies, meat loaf, stew, bangers, Sheppard’s pie, mashed potatoes, baked beans, pizza, thick burgers, and corned beef with cabbage. For a taste of the sea, opt for the delectable beer battered fish ‘n chips, crab cake BLT, potato crusted Halibut, fried calamari, or Prince Edward Island mussels. Start the meal off right with an order of famous Chieftain chicken wings or enjoy them as a snack. The menu also features healthier, vegetarian friendly items, such as the grilled veggie wrap, dinner sized salads, egg dishes, and garden burgers. Don’t forget to save room for dessert because it’s impossible to resist the chocolate Guinness cake and bread pudding.

Of course, no meal would be complete without something from the bar. The Chieftain pours a wide variety of fine whiskeys, as a real Irish pub should, along with sweet mixes, wines, and coffee liqueurs. They’re also available for catering and private parties, so keep them in mind for your next big bash. The next time you’re feeling a bit thirsty, call 415-615-0916 to check the daily specials at the most famous pub in San Francisco, CA. Tell them to save you a bar stool at one of the finest independent businesses by the bay!

The national debate surrounding health care reform sparked interest in work place fitness initiatives. Small business owners in particular are adopting exercise programs as a way to lower insurance premiums. Overweight individuals as well as those with unhealthy habits drive up costs due to lifestyle choices. Of course, finances represent one piece of the puzzle because exercise promotes overall well being. Staying in shape reduces stress, improves mental health, and boosts self-confidence. These things may seem unrelated to the office, but employers find that these benefits carry over into job performance.

Small businesses with the necessary capital might want to look into group yoga, personal training, aerobics, or gym memberships. Lots of local fitness centers offer discounts specifically for commercial promotions. Those without the extra cash to afford a company exercise program needn’t throw in the towel so to speak. There are plenty of inexpensive ways to encourage staff members to get fit. For example, stock the break room with low calorie snacks and beverages instead of chips, candy, and soda. Fresh apples keep people feeling full without adding processed sugar or caffeine to the diet. Plan a healthy menu in advance before the next office party or get-together. Large salads feed plenty of people without stuffing them with unnecessary fats. Choose lighter condiments rather than ranch dressing or blue cheese flavor. Substitute leaner versions of old fashioned staples for wholesome yet flavorful entrées. Vegetable pizza or grilled turkey burgers provide nutrients without sacrificing taste.

In addition to these suggestions, implement a free work out regime everyone will enjoy. Arrange for everyone to take a brisk walk before or after work. Meet at a nearby park or just go around the block as long as you’re in a safe area. Research demonstrates that dieting with a partner improves success rates, so create a buddy system for those interested in losing weight. These programs serve a social purpose by giving employees things in common beyond the office. Chances are several staff members live fairly close by; provide an incentive for them to use alternative methods of commuting. Instead of driving, get them walking, cycling, or even skateboarding! The latter two forms of transportation are ideal for offices with relatively relaxed dress codes. Tell them to take advantage of warm spring/summer weather and save money on gas in the process.

Most of the staff will probably grumble at bit at first, so be prepared for some initial resistance. They’ll change their tunes once they start to feel the benefits of getting regular exercise. Naturally, there will always be people too stuck in their ways to appreciate your efforts. Don’t force the naysayers to get on board. Let them come around at their own pace or not at all. Invite them to participate, but don’t make them feel pressured.

Summer is right upon us once again, and that could mean any number of things. Summer means packing up your boots, jackets, and trench coats to make room for shorts, tank tops, and flip-flops. For most people, summer could also mean hitting the beach and getting a tan. And as for our personal favorite, summer means it’s the perfect time to stretch those legs and either walk to the backyard to fire-up the grill, or to head over to your favorite BBQ Joint.

Hosting backyard barbecues are a great way to get friends and family to bond, especially at this time of the year.  A lot of individuals look forward to clearing the backyard and dusting of the grill—and for good reason too. These events are always full of energy and there’s nothing like the combination of good food and bright weather that’s just begging for you to step outside.

No backyard events lined up for the weekend? Then it’s a good thing there are a lot of local BBQ Joints that can provide a family experience that’s just as fun and entertaining as backyard barbecues.  Most BBQ restaurants have lively and interesting themes that can really put people in the right mood. A lot of BBQ joints also have extensive menus loaded with various types of meats and side dishes that can satisfy even the biggest appetite.

Craving for BBQ yet? That’s where LocalPages comes in. In honor of summer and the upcoming Fourth of July weekend, the LocalPages team together with Kevin’s BBQ Joints have partnered up to host this delectable summer giveaway! One lucky fan could potentially win up to $100 towards his or her BBQ restaurant of choice, simply by being part of LocalPages!

The contest will launch before the end of the week, so be sure to keep checking Kevin’s BBQ Joints as well the LocalPages’ Facebook and Twitter accounts for more details on how to join.

The LocalPAGES team is pleased to announce our Small Business of the week winner, Energy Muse Jewelry!  This conscious lifestyle brand has a showroom located at 2301 W. 205th St., Suite 104 Torrance, CA 90501, but anyone in the country can get a hold of their wonderful pieces thru the company’s website.

Having been in business for ten years, the company has been seen in numerous publications including The Los Angeles Times, Us Magazine, and GQ. They have also been featured in shows such as CNBC, KTLA Morning News, and Ellen.

Energy Muse Jewelry lies on the premise of joining intention with the healing properties of gemstones and crystals. According to the company, wearing specific crystals or gemstones can assist individuals in attaining their intentions.  Ancient beliefs state that crystals have the ability to transmit, reflect, store light and receive energy, thereby freeing any mental, physical, or spiritual blockages. It’s been said that people can actually benefit from this energy flow by keeping crystals and gemstones close to their body, especially since at a cellular level, the human body and quartz crystal are both made up of the same stuff, which is silicon dioxide.  In line with this, combining good energy flow with positive thoughts and intentions can facilitate the proper steps and actions that will eventually lead individuals towards their goals.

However, don’t let their ideas on ancient beliefs lead you to think that the company is stiff and old fashioned; Energy Muse pieces come in modern and stylish designs that can serve as great additions to anyone’s wardrobe.

Don’t take our word for it though. Their jewelry pieces have been spotted around the necks and wrists of musicians (Jason Mraz, Donovan Frankenreiter), athletes (David Beckham, Dwight Howard), and celebrities (Jeremy Piven, Heidi Klum).

Customers who shop for Energy Muse jewelry are generally motivated by both personal taste and intention. The company carries necklaces, bracelets, and rings in virtually all shapes and colors that can be worn by men and women alike.  When it comes to shopping by intention, the company has pieces that cater to the various desires of customers, including health, prosperity, love, and more.  For additional information, don’t hesitate to swing by their beautiful jewelry showroom in Torrance, CA; Energy Muse founders  Heather and Timmi as well as their staff and customer service representatives are all very down-to-earth and approachable.  You can also visit their website, or give them a call at 310-787-8443.

The LocalPAGES team is pleased to announce our latest Business of the Week winner, Green Acres Farm Market and Catering! Located at 2918 Los Angeles Ave. Simi Valley, CA 93065, they’ve been serving this suburban community for over 40 years! While many similar stores struggle to survive, Green Acres manages to stick around because of its loyal patrons. Shoppers flock to this small grocery for several reasons, though most put the friendly staff at the top of their lists. The big chain stores give off an impersonal vibe whereas Green Acres treats everyone like family. You won’t find better customer service anywhere, especially in the greater Los Angeles area. The helpers greet guests with a smile and are always eager to lend a helping hand. Regulars attest to the fact that there’s still a place you can go where everybody knows your name, at least in Simi Valley!

The food quality definitely puts Green Acres ahead of the competition. Don’t let the size of the store fool you because their selection of fresh produce, meats, and prepared items rivals that of mega stores. Health nuts will be happy to learn that most of their fruits and veggies are 100% organic. Just bite into a juicy apple and you’ll taste the difference. The only thing better than the produce section is the meats! The huge selection of USDA Choice beef makes for a true carnivore’s paradise. Best of all, the meats are free of chemicals, hormones, and antibiotics. Hearty steaks, tender chicken, lamb, kabobs, and plump sausages form a giant L that covers roughly half of the interior. For quick meals, grab some of the homemade prepared dishes or seasoned entrées. Standout sides include old fashioned potato salad, garlic pasta, and creamy bow tie pasta. They also carry authentic Boar’s Head cold cuts, cheeses, and pickles straight from New York! Those looking for a satisfying lunch should opt for a sub sandwich or something from the grill. The smell of barbecued tri tip often brings folks in right off the street and the tri tip burrito never disappoints. They make their own sauces, which they spread generously over the ribs and chicken.

In addition to the regular menu offerings, there are special seasonal favorites. In the winter time, the chunky soups keep tummies nice and toasty. They also cater weddings, parties, and other events. The catering menu features tried and true favorites from the store and a variety of customizable options. You need to call in advance, and prices vary according to the portion sizes. For larger affairs of 50 or more, please make an appointment. Instead of settling for a typical grocery store in Simi Valley, CA, support a genuine independent SUPER market! Call 805-522-7038 for more information today!

Startup companies often rely on real world contacts to get themselves off the ground. Friends and family turn into reliable customers that help spread the word about products and services. Word of mouth advertising is especially critical for small businesses without the necessary capital reserves for large scale marketing campaigns. Personal recommendations bring in quality foot traffic more consistently than other promotional tools, but the intimate nature of these relations creates unforeseen problems. Huffington Post author Ryan Mack raises excellent points about the excessive demands business owners face at the hands of their so called “friends”.

The following scenario illustrates a recurring occurrence: a familiar face walks into a store or restaurant to visit the owner or an employee. He or she behaves normally up until it’s time for money to change hands. The gracious demeanor quickly fades away as the negations begin. Typical patrons do not barter outside of used car dealerships, so why do your “friends” seem compelled to brush off the bill? Mack explains that people expect special treatment when they have an established connection to a business. When they drop by, these folks anticipate receiving the royal treatment. Mack urges his readers to consider their friends’ financial well being instead of getting “hooked up”.
His message deserves applause, but his analysis never delves into the motivation behind these actions. Thoughtlessness undoubtedly plays a role; these individuals simply don’t bother to think about their friends’ profit margin. Still, the ego factor cannot be overstated. There’s a presumption here on behalf of consumers that they’re doing someone a favor by gracing him/her with their presence. These people see themselves as going out of their way to fulfill social obligations, not contributing to someone else’s material success. This rational makes sense if there’s some kind of genuine issue with the store itself i.e. limited select or poor customer service. Otherwise, there’s no justification for these assumptions.

Haggling with a friend about money is never pleasant; it’s always uncomfortable and sometimes downright embarrassing. When you find yourself in this position, you may feel angry, irritated, or even hurt. After all, no one enjoys being put on the spot. Don’t let your emotions get the best of you. Treat a rude “friend” the same way you would handle an argumentative stranger. Be polite while maintaining a pleasant demeanor, but stand your ground. Unless there’s a legitimate gripe that you should address, there’s no reason for you to compromise. The results might surprise you. Some people will never return again, which is probably beneficial in the long run. Others will respect you for laying down boundaries. These individuals are the kind of friends worth keeping.