Greer's OC

Thousands of fans of the Frog House on the Coast Highway in Newport Beach have rallied around their favorite surf shop, which may be in danger because of new city zoning laws that prohibit businesses in residential neighborhoods. The outpouring of support has generated optimism that the Frog House can remain at its current location, though its owner, T.K. Brimer, still faces a months-long rezoning process and ultimately needs the blessing of the City Council and Coastal Commission.

So why does the unassuming Frog House generate such passion from its customers?

“We’ve resisted change that swept the surfing industry,” says Brimer, who bought the store from the original owner 43 years ago. “We’re not controlled by clothing manufacturers that dominate surfing—it has bothered me, surfing is a sport, not a lifestyle.”

Brimer, who still surfs five days a week, has always kept his shop 70 percent hard goods (surfboards, wetsuits and impossible to find, kneeboards) and only 30% clothing.

“The average shop is exactly the other way around,” Brimer says. “There’s a ridiculously low mark-up on surfboards. The money is in the apparel. Other shops make a lot more money than I do, but they don’t get to surf as much.”

“Ever since I was a little boy, I wanted to own a surf shop when I grew up. I kept my eye on the prize. I loved the smell of the resin, the people who worked there. But I never wanted to own a clothing store.”

The Frog House carries the best in surf gear, and if he doesn’t have what you need Brimer will tell you where you can get it. Real surfers work at the Frog House and though the pay isn’t much, they love their jobs. On average, they stay 17 years (one employee has logged 29 years).

Open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 6908 W Coast Hwy. in Newport Beach. 949.642.5690.

A Second Commonwealth!

Downtown Fullerton’s fave nightspot, the Commonwealth Lounge, is celebrating its the opening of second location and new concept in Newport Beach tonight!

The modern-style supper club opened in the former Ten Waterfront restaurant (it’s had many incarnations, remember when it was Hooters and the Red Onion?) on the Balboa Peninsula.

Complimentary appetizers will be offered from 9 to 10 p.m. and happy hour specials will be available until midnight. Enjoy live entertainment by Uncommon Burlesque, samba/soulists Quetzal Guerrero & The Warriors and special guest DJs J-Heart and Bobby Soul. Free gift will be given to the first 50 guests.

The Commonwealth Lounge features American gourmet comfort food, 26 craft beers on tap, boutique wines by the glass and signature cocktails. Look for weekly promotions like Wine Wednesdays, Scissors & Silverware on Sundays and Local Nights on Mondays.

Commonwealth Lounge & Grill is at 2406 Newport Blvd, on the Peninsula. 949.675.4444.