We’ve driven down
a million times. The archaic “Mighty Joe Young” lettering on the marquee at
But the fact is,
is speckled with colorful people and independently owned businesses that are worth more than just a drive-by on our way to Barbec’s. So instead of continuing to cruise past some of these places thinking “I wonder what that is,” we spent a day on
to scope a few out. Here’s what we found.
TC SHAVED ICE
The “TC” stands for Tayler Carl, nephew of Javier Hernandez, one of the founders of TC Shaved Ice. During the past 16 years, the Hernandez family has owned and operated several shaved ice businesses in the
The
location has been a fixture in our neighborhood for the past eight years, drawing in an array of lip-licking patrons seeking a frozen treat. The cash-only stand, complete with two drive-thru windows in addition to the traditional walk-up window, opens for business in mid-February and continues into October.
Although traditional flavors such as strawberry, cherry and lime are always big sellers, many of TC’s customers like to mix and match. A popular combo is Tiger’s Blood mixed with Margarita. But, says Hector Garza, the man behind the counter, customers also like to spice things up. Really. One of TC’s biggest draws, particularly for its Latin crowd, is the “chamoyada.” It’s a slushy-type drink reminiscent of strawberries (that is, strawberries according to Garza, but for one visitor the taste was more like a frozen Bloody Mary). The concoction is then topped off with a dash of chili powder.
“I have a customer who comes in every weekend for a chamoyada and cherry mix,” Garza says.
10999
JAY’S BARBER SHOP
Don’t let the classic barber’s pole on the outside fool you. Jay’s Barber Shop isn’t your typical throwback to yesteryear — just take a walk inside, and find out for yourself.
From the lingering cloud of incense to the brightly colored sea-themed walls adorned with seashells, starfish and the owner’s own oil paintings of sea creatures, this place ain’t from Mayberry.
“I did a traditional shop without the traditional look,” says owner Jay D. Nelson, clad in — you might’ve guessed it — a tie-dyed T-shirt. Nelson opened his barbershop more than 14 years ago, hoping to create a laid back and unique atmosphere. And, even though the look may not be traditional, the haircuts are.
Nelson, whose customers are mostly men, claims he is a master at tapering hair — “which is an art,” he says. Most of his business is through word of mouth, and Nelson has a long list of repeat customers, but he also accepts walk-ins.
“Crawl-ins too,” he says. “However they want to come.”
10209
Garland
Rd. 214-324-0609.
PEAVY BURGER & MART
“The food is a combination of all the places I worked going through college,” says Sami Habash, owner of Peavy Burger and Mart. “That’s why I have burgers and pizza.”
Habash bought the convenience store just off
“I’m gonna go famous for my Philly cheese steak,” he says, grinning widely.
1141 Peavy Rd. 214-324-5383.
ZOO MUSIC
Looking for a 1972 Gibson? Chances are you can find one at Zoo Music.
Owner Dave Anderson opened his first store in 1977 in a small shop off
In 1986, he relocated to his current spot on
“We cater to beginners, but more pros because we carry an eclectic collection of new as well as vintage guitars,”
But that shouldn’t discourage music lovers of all kinds to visit Zoo Music. A walk through the front doors, past the towering wall of drums and guitars, affords a glimpse of a guitar-strumming employee, quick to offer a smile and some help. In addition to the broad instrument selection, Zoo Music also has music teachers for guitar, bass and drums.
“They are all professionals,”
But he’s not picky about one thing, and that’s creating a comfortable, laid-back atmosphere for customers.
“Just a good easy feeling,” he says.
11224
GLOVER RUBBER STAMP COMPANY
OK, so apparently we aren’t the only ones who have driven by this place wondering what the heck it is.
“We get a lot of people who come in and say they’ve driven by 15 times and just wondered what we did,” says office manager Jerri Shields.
So she explains: The Glover Rubber Stamp Company has been around since 1917 — created by a man named Harold Glover. Glover’s granddaughter now owns the place. And most of its employees are family members or family friends. The company sells custom-made rubber stamps: signature stamps, address stamps, nameplates, embossing, etc. Their clients include big names such as Southwest Airlines and the city of
Everything that has to do with making their products is done in the building on
And, she adds, “[Office Depot] is really limited to what they can do.”
10101
RECON VINTAGE
Previously known as Recon Militaria, this little hole-in-the-wall is a one-stop shop for war memorabilia.
Owner D.J. Goodwin, complete with a burly white beard, ever-present cigarette and, on this particular occasion, donning a T-shirt for his Arlington biker bar, “Big Dick’s,” has been in the collectibles business for more than 33 years, buying and selling everything from glass to comic books to jewelry. He also is the founder of Vietnam War Museum Dallas, as well as one of the founding members of the Dallas Chapter, Great Southwest Vietnam Veterans.
At Recon Militaria, Goodwin stocks military items dating from the 1970s on back to the 1880s. No combat boots though, says Goodwin, who refers those inquiries down the street to the army store.
The majority of items Goodwin deals are from World War I and World War II.
“No copies, no reproductions, no fakes — all original,” he says. And Goodwin knows fakes. He has spent more than $20,000 on reference books over the years, and these books are anything but vague. For example, he has a 447-page book dedicated to just nine different medals.
But at Recon Militaria you might find more than a piece of war memorabilia to add to your collection. With a Saturday morning visit to the store, you’ll probably find a room full of vets telling stories and, says Goodwin with a chuckle, “getting drunk.” But the stories are what make it worthwhile, he says.
“You’ve got walking, talking, living history in here,” he says. “I’ve met people that you could read about in books.”
9917
More places to visit:
Casa Linda Bakery Get your sweet tooth fix at this locally owned and operated bakery. We hear the petit fours are a must. 10819
Sali’s Pizza Restaurant Check out this classic Italian joint. Quaint and cozy with a menu full of traditional Italian fare, many who’ve found it are repeat customers. 10021
Garland
Rd. 214-321-2700.
Tic Toc Clock Shop A place to step back in time. Here they specialize in repairing grandfather clocks, wall mantles and cuckoo clocks. 8928
Walton’s
Lawn & Garden
Center
Browse through the maze of greenery at this full service landscaping/remodeling firm and retail nursery. 8652
