As Thanksgiving approaches, small businesses in San Diego are expressing their gratitude towards their landlords, who happen to be the owners of the renowned D.Z. Akins family restaurant. The owner of “Looks Better On Me,” a consignment shop in the same shopping center, shared her appreciation for the Akins family and emphasized the importance of supporting small businesses.
Having worked as a waitress at D.Z. Akins for 14 years, Trish Donnelly spoke highly of the support and encouragement she received from the Akins family to pursue her own business. Their unwavering support and understanding have played a vital role in keeping her shop afloat during challenging times.
While customers are familiar with D.Z. Akins for its delicious food and exceptional service over the past 45 years, many are unaware that the Akins family also serves as landlords to several neighboring businesses. Melissa Child, the owner of Salon Sagrado, praised the Akins family for their efforts in ensuring the success of their tenants by providing affordable rent and necessary support.
The sense of community fostered by the Akins family extends beyond their restaurant, creating a small but vibrant community within the shopping center. Oly Pittman, a second-generation business owner operating a chiropractic office next door, highlighted the interconnectedness of businesses in the area, with customers frequenting multiple establishments.
Despite the challenges posed by rising rents, Debi and Zvika Akin have chosen to prioritize their tenants’ well-being by offering reasonable rent rates and unwavering support. Donnelly, from Looks Better On Me, acknowledged the difficulties of maintaining a small business but expressed her determination to persevere with the support of her landlords.
In an effort to keep her shop operational, Donnelly announced a large clearance sale in December to attract customers and generate revenue. The Akins family’s commitment to their tenants and the local community serves as a shining example of the positive impact landlords can have on small businesses during challenging times.
