Three Sixty Ecotique is full of surprises. Good ones too. The first time I ever visited the store, I didn’t know much about it. I had heard that it was a used clothing store with a sort of eco-friendly bent. That’s about all I knew. But when I walked in for the first time, I was blown away by how beautiful the place was. It looks like a boutique you’d find in downtown San Francisco or LA, not in downtown Chico.
My first impression was that I wouldn’t be able to afford anything in the store, but as I started browsing around, I was pleasantly surprised by the price tags on the items on the racks too. I mean, we’re talking really great, handpicked used and vintage clothes and accessories, as well as some one-of-a-kind, hand-made, locally designed stuff. You won’t find any Target, Old Navy or Forever 21 brands here, and there is new stuff out every week. Three Sixty carries about 10 different local designers who make everything from durable messenger bags out of recycled bike tires and fire hose, to gorgeous, one-of-a-kind tops and dresses hand-made out of vintage lingerie and costume jewelry. This is really unique, awesome stuff that you just won’t find anywhere else. And great stuff for guys too. I didn’t go there to shop my first time, and I’m sort of glad, because it would have been one of those dressing room marathons with arm-loads of cute stuff to try on. Of course, I couldn’t get away without buying something – an adorable little black dress, for $18. Yes, that’s right, $18, and it looks like new.
I had a chance to catch up with the ladies behind Three Sixty, Lorna Hillman and Crystena Hemingway. The two of them serendipitously found each other when their sons became friends. They had an instant bond. Apparently Lorna had an idea for a store with all recycled items and local designers, and she had been collecting clothes for quite some time. She had a feeling Crystena would be into the idea, and as it turned out, Crystena had created a business plan for exactly this kind of store about seven years prior.
“When she first presented the idea to me, I thought she was just talking, you know, the way people do,” Crystena said. But one thing led to another, and they got started by doing a trunk sale at Crystena’s house to raise some money to lease a store front. “We started from the ground, from nothing,” Lorna told me. But after a lot of hard work, the store opened in March of 2009.
There’s an obvious commitment to environmental stewardship at Three Sixty Ecotique, as the name implies. But it goes farther than you might notice on the surface. When asked what motivated them or inspired them to care so much about the environment, Lorna said, “It just makes sense. I can’t imagine being any other way.” Crystena told me, “And having kids, you just want the best for them. You want them to be educated and empathetic to the world around them, so it helps you make decisions that way.” Lorna added, “And you want the world to be clean for them.”
The fact that they only sell recycled or used items is just one piece of the eco-puzzle at Three Sixty. It’s not your typical used clothing store. In fact, it’s really a new way of thinking about fashion. You can walk out of the store feeling just as up-to-date and in-style as if you walked out of any other boutique in Chico, or anywhere else for that matter. But the difference is, here you are giving new life to old items, reducing waste and using your power as a consumer wisely and consciously. Let’s just say it’s a way to do the right thing, without having to compromise your sense of style.
Some of the less obvious eco-friendly things at Three Sixty include the store’s interior, which was redone with all recycled construction materials. Also, you won’t be offered a bag to carry off your loot. Instead, your new-to-you goodies will be folded lovingly and tied up with yarn, ribbon, or lace. And if you ride your bike to the store, you will be given a Bike Buck with your purchase, which is good for $1 off your next purchase, and you can save them up.
Three Sixty is making a name for itself here in Chico as much more than just another store; they are an active part of our local community. They hold fashion shows a few times a year to showcase local designers and artists, and they support numerous local nonprofits. They even host the occasional clothing exchange or clothing swap, in which anyone from the community can bring in their clothes over a 4 day period, and in exchange they get a ticket for each item that is accepted for the exchange. The following week, Three Sixty puts the exchange items out on racks in the middle of the store, and people can come in and “shop” with their tickets. Any of the leftover items get donated to a local nonprofit.
Three Sixty Ecotique is the real deal. I was very impressed with the commitment Lorna and Crystena have to both top quality fashion as well as to the health of our local community and our planet. If you haven’t been in there yet, I strongly encourage you to check it out and satisfy your sense of style without compromising your conscience.
Three Sixty Ecotique is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10a.m.–6p.m., and Sunday from 12p.m.–5p.m. Parking is available in the Senator Theatre parking lot. You can find Three Sixty Ecotique on Facebook or on MySpace.

Featured Designers at Three Sixty Ecotique:
- Social Form
- Parasol Project
- Abigail’s Clothing
- Zeeko Bags
- Claire Fong
- Corderoy Horse
- Elaina Michelle Designs
- Mindful
- Rekindled
- Sara Rose
- Muir Hughes

By: Crystal Durham

Family owned and operated Burgers and Brew has burst onto the Chico dining scene with a fresh look at how to serve a great burger and a keen eye for running a local business. The upscale dining area and adjacent patio are warm and welcoming, filled with murals and soon to be showcasing local art. The best part about the dining room? No TV in sight. “I got sick of watching people with food hanging out of their mouths that weren’t having a conversation with their table,” says co-owner Philippe Zawaydeh. “Burgers and Brew caters to families and students who want to have a great meal,” adds Philippe’s brother Derar. “We try to have good atmosphere, quality food and prices that are as inexpensive as they can be for what you’re getting.”
Trust me—the quality of food at B&B is excellent. The brothers served me up a huge spicy guacamole Portobello burger on a sesame bun made especially for the restaurant. Though the burger usually comes with a delicious, all-natural Niman beef patty, Burgers and Brew is more than happy to switch that out with one of their multiple vegetarian options. Smoked tofu and garden burger patties abound, though I must recommend the Portobello—cooked in 100% Canola Oil and marinated in a blend of its own juices and even more mushrooms, this ‘bello is definitely one of the juiciest and most flavorful in town. The next logical step for any reasonable diner is to check out Top This, Burgers & Brew’s in house self-serve frozen yogurt shop. Sustainably farmed by Strauss, this yogurt is non-fat, organic and comes complete with as many toppings as you can imagine. Like granola, fresh fruit or even M&M’s on your fro-yo? Top This has you covered tenfold for under $4.
Buying locally whenever possible is a major concern for the Zawaydeh brothers, who strive to have as many organic and all-natural items on their menu as they can. The beer and wine selection isn’t too shabby, either. With a variety of beer and a weekend schedule that keeps the restaurant open for patrons until 3 a.m., Burgers and Brew just might become a local favorite for those who like their food tasty and unpretentious.
Derar and Philippe both stem from Jordan originally, and moved to the Bay Area in their teenage years. By 18, Derar had begun his restaurant career as a bus boy in San Francisco, and by 1991 had started Crepeville, the Zawaydeh brothers’ first family restaurant. As the public embraced the first crepe restaurant in the area in years, Derar soon realized the demand was high for quality food at reasonable prices and opened more and more eateries across California. Eight restaurants later, the quest for perfect food preparation is still the main focus for these restaurateurs. “There’s no excuse for bad food,” says Derar, adding, “If you wouldn’t eat it, what’s the point in serving it?”
Be sure to bring the family or a few friends out to Burgers and Brew, located at 201 Broadway in downtown Chico. You won’t be disappointed, and in this heat you can’t go wrong with a quick bite of fro-yo or a cold pint. Delish!
By: Carmen Bush

In the past month I have seen two movies on DVD that I thought were exceptional, both in the information that was communicated and in the easy-to-understand and interesting manner in which it was presented.

The first is “FOOD, INC.” This is a look at our modern day corporate food chain and the impact it has on our personal freedom and our agricultural heritage. It also provides a logical reason for our government’s failure to stem the tide of illegal immigration. After seeing the movie I had a much greater appreciation and sense of gratitude for all of the people in the North Valley who provide the weekly farmers’ markets in our local communities.

The second movie on DVD is Michael Moore’s new film, “CAPITALISM: A LOVE STORY.”

I have made a point of investigating the current financial meltdown that has had such a devastating affect on all of us in the North Valley, and I thought Moore’s film was a very good summary of the power and impact a few people have had on the everyday lives of each and every one of us.

I think anyone concerned with what is happening to those of us who live in the North Valley should see both of these films.

There is new legislation being considered in our nation’s capital that would affect the way you purchase securities and insurance products like annuities. The Senate Banking Committee sent a massive Wall Street regulatory bill to the full senate after a vote of 13-10. This is the same committee that led the fight to repeal the Glass-Steagall Act. The Glass-Steagall Act prohibited the banking industry from conducting the very business that created the current financial disaster.

The group Consumer Watchdog reports that in the first nine months of 2009, 2,567 lobbyists for the financial sector spent $336 million to lobby congress. The same group reports that the Senate Banking Committee members have received $41.9 million dollars in campaign contributions from PACs and individuals in the financial sector since 2005. I believe that the contributions to the Senate Banking Committee beg for the question to be asked: What would you be willing to do for 40 million dollars?
Much to the benefit of us all, the economy is still improving. The U.S. equity market has increased by 70 percent during the past 12 months. Nationwide, home prices declined by only 1.2 percent in 2009. This is the lowest decline in the past two years.

Freddie Mac has decided to stop accepting interest-only loans beginning in September of 2010. Approximately 70 percent of Freddie Mac’s existing interest-only loans were made in 2006 and 2007. The estimated current loan-to-value ratio on the existing interest-only loans at Freddie Mac is 106 percent. That means the average interest-only loan at Freddie Mac is 6 percent higher in value than the value of property it encumbers. Having a loan value greater than the value of the property is not a great incentive to continue making one’s mortgage payments.

My hope for all of us is that the current improvement in the economy will continue long enough for those of us in business in the North Valley to begin to both feel and experience a sense of security and optimism about the future, rather than the fear and pessimism that seem so prevalent in our business community. I believe with all my heart that “attitude is everything,” and I further believe that everything in our world will begin to change for the better as the attitudes of the people in our community turn more positive.

Jack Van Rossum C.C.I.M. is an independent real estate broker in Chico. He can be reached at 530-342-6915 or at jrossum@sbcglobal.net.

By Jack Van Rossum

If you haven’t heard the buzz on Chico’s GRUB programs then you’re way past due for an introduction. GRUB (Growing Resourcefully Uniting Bellies) is a locally formed nonprofit organization established in 2007. Not only do they strive to minimize their ecological footprint by sustainable living practices, but they intend to nourish our community with knowledge and food and hope to deepen connections within the community. This group of individuals has been working hard to aid the community in sustainable development, and their latest project, the GRUB Community Gardens, invites the community to get in on the fun.

The Community Gardens first began with one garden back in September. This garden, located at 14th and Mulberry, was initially developed to help feed people at the Jesus Center and those who helped tend the garden. They have since expanded into a multiple-garden operation. Gardens have cropped up all over town, each with a different target demographic GRUB wants to help support. They have a garden off of West Lindo set up; most of the veggies grown here will be donated to a local food bank. They also hope to create a site off of East First Street that will become a training center for people with disabilities to learn the gardening process. The newest garden that they are currently working hard to get up and running is located in Walnut Grove Apartments off of Nord Ave. Here, they plan to take an old basketball court and turn it into a full-fledged garden, complete with raised beds, a sitting area and maybe even a small greenhouse.

Everything about these gardens is sustainable. Local businesses such as the Durham Worm Farm and Waste Management have donated compost, and Chico Food Network donates seeds. GRUB also tries to use all recycled materials to set up and maintain garden plots. For example, the garden off of 14th and Mulberry has an enclosed grow box that they threw together using leftover wood from a housing project and window panes collected by a GRUB member. They have also been able to use the blacktop from the basketball courts they dug up at the Walnut Grove Apartments.

Currently they have 14 members who live out at the “GRUB house” (a co-op located off Dayton Rd.) and seven people who keep the nonprofit programs running. Besides living by example, they have done a lot to spread awareness about sustainable practices and developed programs such as the gardens to aid the community. They want to see as much food grown in the community as possible and have been more than willing to share what they know to help that become a reality, but at the heart of things, these are community gardens that need to be worked on by the community at large, not just those who were good enough to get things started. Active member, Stephanie Elliot says, “If it is a need of the community to grow food, then we hope the community can support that need.” Anybody is welcome to take part in this amazing project. Help can come in a variety of ways; donate supplies, volunteer time during workdays out at one of their garden plots, or if you’re extra ambitious take on the garden coordinator position at a site. On Sundays, the GRUB house off Dayton welcomes community members to drop by and lend a hand, or even just to take a peek at what they are trying to do. There are plenty of ways to help out, and you can check out their web site grubchico.com for more information. The weather has been getting better everyday, and what better way to celebrate the rebirth of spring, than to get out in a garden and get your hands dirty to support the community, and of course, yourself.

By Jess krager

Tucked away off East 14th St. and Park, is a business that has been providing the local community with quality meat products for over 30 years. Chico Locker and Sausage Company is not only a well-loved favorite amongst the city of Chico, but has won both state and national awards for their savory products. Though it started out as a custom slaughter and processing plant, over the years they have expanded their business to include a full service deli as well.

The business was originally purchased in 1965 by Russell Dewey, however by 1981 was bought by his son David. Today, David Dewey and his wife Linda have significantly expanded the business. They provide custom slaughter services for the area; butchering, smoking and packaging meat products either purchased through the Junior Livestock program or wild game like deer or elk from local hunters. They do not provide products for wholesale, or package products for others to sell commercially, but name any type meat cut you can think of and I’m sure they have it available. Of course they have both their award-winning ham and turkey available, but they also have quite the selection of  steaks, pork chops and chicken, even buffalo products. For those of you getting ready for St. Patrick’s Day, you can pre-order yourself a nice slab of corned beef for the festivities.

Chico Locker and Sausage Co. opened up their deli a few years after David and Linda took over ownership and has become a thriving and integral part of the business. They offer a variety of sandwiches at a reasonable price, including daily specials such as their ever-popular tri-tip sandwiches served on Fridays, that bring in customers in droves. And if your timing is right, you might even get to try out some new concoctions that Linda comes up with (Ham salad sandwiches, yum!). Besides their delectable sandwiches, they offer different soups each day, jerky, potato salad and spice rubs and other marinades for barebeque connoisseurs. Sausage is also one of their best-selling products, with over 50 different varieties of fresh and smoked sausages available.

With all that they have to offer, it’s no wonder that Chico Locker and Sausage Co. gets national recognition. As part of the American Association of Meat Processors, Chico Locker has entered and won contests for best in show, as well as made it in the Cured Meats Hall of Fame in 2001. On the local front, Chico Locker’s first year of participation in Taste of Chico proved to be a raging success as well; one that we hope will be a repeat performance. Though there have been many accomplishments, Dave says that the most memorable moment will always be that first Bone-in Ham award won in Nashville, TN. These national competitions are judged by specialists in the meat industry and competitors range from mom-and-pop shops to the best-and-biggest in the industry, so to be recognized as a top competitor is quite an achievement.

Chico Locker and Sausage Co. deli  is open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday—Friday and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Those interested in their custom slaughter service can call to make an appointment at 530-343-7370 or stop by the shop at 196 E. 14th St.

By Jess Krager

On Jan. 28, Tri Counties Bank celebrated the grand opening of its new location. This branch is the first to open with the new architecture and design package that the bank is rolling out throughout its network.

“As our brand continues to evolve and respond to the needs of today’s consumer and business owner, our investment in updating our branch technology makes us more relevant to how people do their banking and live their life,” said Dan Bailey, executive vice president of Retail Banking for Tri Counties Bank. “We welcome the Chico community to come by and see our new branch.”

Visible from the street is outside signage with the updated Tri Counties Bank logo and colors. Inside is a four screen digital display that shows 1,300 unique images illustrating A Day in the Life of Tri Counties Bank. The wall features California landscapes, community involvement activities, quotes from California notables and personal profiles of bankers. The new branch architecture and design is centered on the concept of the digital wall.

In honor of the branch opening and the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, Tri Counties Bank celebrated its grand opening by making a $5 donation to Disabled Sports USA for every Perfect Choice Checking account opened in the month of February.

“Disabled Sports USA is fortunate to be able to partner with Tri Counties Bank to make the world a better place for people with disabilities. Together, we will have a powerful and positive impact on the lives of children and adults with disabilities and soldiers disabled in Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Doug Pringle, president of Disabled Sports USA, Far West chapter.

Chico-based Tri Counties Bank is a wholly-owned subsidiary of TriCo Bancshares (NASDAQ: TCBK) and has been serving customers in Chico since it opened its first branch on Pillsbury Rd. in 1975. The FDIC ranks Tri Counties Bank as the largest bank in Butte County.

The branch is located at 2483 Notre Dame Blvd., Ste. 100 in the Skypark Plaza shopping center and will be open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

When pondering examples of Americana, many notions jump quickly to mind: baseball, burgers, apple pie, rock ‘n’ roll and, of course, hot dogs. Yes, there’s a reason thousands upon thousands flood to Brooklyn, New York’s Coney Island each and every year to watch grown men competitively scarf legions of hot dogs at Nathan’s—hot dogs are indeed a part of American culture.
As luck would have it, the citizens of Chico have been privy to as fine a wiener establishment this side of the Mississippi for the past 31 years: Zot’s Hot Dogs. Located at 225 Main Street in Suite A of the Garden Walk Mall, Zot’s has proudly served customers in the very same location since 1978. And while the business has changed hands three times, Zot’s has been owned and operated by husband and wife Val and Leslie Montague since 1989. In that time, Zot’s has slowly but surely become more than just another dog joint.
“A hot dog stand, if it’s going to survive, has to adapt to a changing population,” said Leslie Montague.
It’s this thought that has seen Zot’s come to offer an array of choice lunch options, including a deli and salad bar. And to the delight of appetites across town, many of the tastiest morsels are homemade.
“We used to buy a lot of things,” explained Montague, “and as prices went up and up and up, we found it more cost effective to make them from scratch.”
Scratch items include soups, chili, deli salads, salad dressings, and baked goods like cookies and brownies. This writer admits both the cream and bean soups to be irresistible, and you simply can’t argue with a chili recipe that runs 20 years strong.
But it has not been without trial that Zot’s has kept its doors open, as the Montague’s have battled through the proverbial lulls.
“The reason we’re here, honestly, is because we’ve adapted and cut back. We used to have five employees, now it’s all
family run.”
On any given afternoon one is liable to see a nephew, niece or daughter behind the counter, not to mention Val Montague’s mother. And though Zot’s is currently going through the same tests as most any small business, there’s little doubt that Chico’s favorite hot dog purveyor will continue to fight the good fight.
“If we were just trying to start this place up in the economy being this bad, we’d have a tough time,” said Montague. “But it’s a lower overhead being downtown; we have a really great landlord, we have nice, reasonable rent. And, sometimes you just dig in and lose money for a while, it doesn’t last, although this last time has lasted a longtime [laughs]. But, we’re making it. We’re not rich, but we’re paying bills.”

By Jacob Sprecher

Many businesses are falling because the necessity for their services is dwindling down. Luckily for Dragon Graphics, printing is just not one of those industries.
“You can build a house and you don’t have to landscape it,” said Jeff Baylor, owner of Dragon Graphics. “But if you own a business and your staff runs out of t-shirts, they need new shirts.”
Businesses rely on items such as business cards, brochures, flyers and signs to get the word out about their business. At a time when businesses need service the most, these materials are not the ones to cut down on.
There will always be a need for printing, he said. Having a logo and a brand that is captivating and consistent is essential to being viewed as a professional, reputable business.
Baylor started Dragon Graphics nine years ago in his garage, and after two years of working from home they moved to their current location on Mangrove. In the beginning they did mostly screen printing, but as the business grew, so did their services. Now they offer everything from t-shirts to promotional products to digital prints.
“Dragon Graphics is not just a screen printing studio, we’re the full shop for anything you need, from stickers to banners to vehicle graphics, we do it, and we do it all in house,” Baylor said.
Because they can do everything over one roof, they are able to make their services more affordable. This, as well as the talent of the team, has attributed to their high cliental base.
“One thing that separates us from some of the other companies, is that we’re artists first and printers second,” Baylor said.
The staff members are experts in graphic design and they pride themselves on the high quality work they do. Baylor even includes his clients in the design process. If they come in wanting a logo he will sit them down and have them be a part of creating it. This way the customer is always happy.

Dragon Graphics has worked with many organizations in the North State, such as Boys and Girls Club, Go Local Chico, Beica, Chico State and Mt. Shasta Ski Park. After years of being in Chico they’ve gained more clients, bought more equipment and hired more employees. This growth caused them to need more space, so about 6 months ago they took over the neighboring lot, doubling the size of their old digs. Now Baylor has even bigger plans in store for his business.
“Our biggest thing we are trying to do now is franchising,” he said. “I’m moving to Mt. Shasta and opening one there.”
Baylor also plans on having stores in Ashland, Ore. and possibly San Diego.  Most of the production will be done in Chico, but Baylor will be able to run the business virtually.
Dragon Graphics has figured out a business model that works, Baylor said. They have never made less money than the month or year before. In July, they managed to have 60 percent more business than the previous year.
“It will be pretty cool to be able to be in Mt. Shasta and keep an eye on it all,” he said.
Being in Mt. Shasta will allow Baylor to gain more cliental up in the North State, but best of all it will give him a chance to raise his family in the town he grew up in while still running the business he loves.

To find out more about Dragon Graphics visit www.dgprints.com or call 530-879-9666.

By Kayla Cook

A hot summer evening in Chico set the backdrop for a conversation I had waited many years to have. The last time I was with Dr. Godwin Orkeh and Christian Nix, we were in a house built around an avocado tree on the hillsides of San Marco. This tree sat on the crust of Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. That was seven years ago.
Sitting together again, my mind was flooded with memories of trekking up and down the mountainsides serving the indigenous, listening to their needs, and helping in ways we didn’t know we could—until we did.
However, on this August night, we rested comfortably in lounge chairs on my back patio and reflected on the journeys we’d been on together and the near decade spent apart.
Godwin, the MD of our lot, had come to visit after finishing his fifth stint in Darfur, Sudan. He had gone in and out of the war-torn, refugee-saturated regions wearing badges from numerous NGO’s including Relief International, World Health Organization and the United Nations. Godwin helped those he could  and promised that the world had not forgotten their plight. His work was never completed but he slept peacefully knowing he was doing all he could.
As the sun made way for the evening stars, Godwin pulled out his baby blue United Nations passport, something I had only seen in the movies. He pointed out stamps that provided doorways to distant lands—Afghanistan, Pakistan and Somalia. And, with each stamp he shared stories that were harder and harder to fathom. Kidnappings. Malnutrition. Malaria. Death. He spoke about the pain of losing children whose lives could be saved for less than $4.
We cried a little. We laughed a little. We hardly noticed dawn arrive.
Christian, the Chinese medicine man, was in between his barefoot clinic in Chicago and his practice in San Marcos. He works in the village hospital and continues to teach the science of medicine in concert with the art of healing. After learning that Godwin had arranged a trip to Chico, he postponed his journey south for the weekend so we could be together.
Christian shared tales in Latin America that I longed to remember. The way time sits still. The way people celebrate what they have, rather than focus on what they do not. The understanding of abundance and generosity that comes so naturally for those people our world calls “poor.”
I asked if there was anything they would like to do while on U.S. soil. After sitting quietly for some time, Godwin said, “I would like to share what is happening in Darfur. I would like my promise to the children to be true, for the world not to forget what is happening there.”
I knew our community would be eager to listen. More than that, I knew something Godwin would later tell me he never dreamed possible; we not only listened—we cared!
After numerous public radio spots and interviews with newspapers we had a party. Godwin and Christian got to meet, literally, dozens of people that are working to help others around the globe.
They met local independent business owner, Sherry Holbrook who supports an orphanage in Zambia. They met former swim instructor, Shirley Adams, who builds water-wells in developing countries. They met Manoah Mohanraj, a local public health manager, who also runs an orphanage in Southern India. They met a room full of Enloe Hospital’s doctors and nurse practitioners that travel around the world providing medical care —folks that care so deeply about out brothers and sisters around the world. They also met handfuls of community members who support causes here, at home.
As the weekend came to an end, Godwin and Christian walked up to me and said, “We know now.”
“What’s that?” I replied.
“Of all the places in the world you’ve been, we now know why you decided to make Chico home.”

Alexa Valavanis is the chief executive officer of the North Valley Community Foundation; a Northern California based nonprofit public charity, managing more than $6.5 million in net assets.

By Alexa Valavanis

Whether you want breakfast, lunch or a midday treat, Tin Roof Bakery’s new café has it all.
Eight years ago Brandon Seiwert and his wife, Rosie, opened the Tin Roof Bakery and started selling bread to restaurants, cafés, grocers and Saturday farmer’s market customers. Their real, artisan bread was an instant success, and by 2007 they were providing bread to about 80 percent of Chico eateries. On July 18, Seiwert and his partners, Darren Chadderdon and Lloyde Stevenson, furthered the business by turning the bakery into a trendy café.
“We knew that we had a lot more to offer,” said Chadderdon. “We’d been in the backstage, just being a provider for restaurants for too long, and we just needed to show what the bakery could do.”
Chadderdon is no stranger to the restaurant business. He owned the Black Crow up until six years ago and currently owns the Rawbar. His restaurant background has made him a great partner in building the business.
Tin Roof Bakery and Café has a variety of food and beverage options. They start the morning off with coffee and pastries, such as croissants, scones, muffins and Danish. Then they transition into lunch with sandwiches, salad, soup and freshly squeezed juice. The menu tops off with gourmet desserts—everything from cream puffs to
cupcakes.
“It’s as high quality as we possibly can have for you and as fresh as it can possibly be,” Chadderdon said.
Each day they have something different to offer, and that kind of variety has made for happy customers, he said.
The café also offers special order cakes, catering and an inspirational environment. The inside has a modern, chic feel with black flooring, hanging lights and red accents. Artwork done by local artists will be rotated from the walls every couple of months. Currently Celina Paul’s paintings brighten up the space with vibrant colors and
texture.
The owners are still working on developing the café and plan to add more seating, outdoor scenery and food options.
“Business has been really good and we’ve been well received so far,” Chadderdon said. “We still have a lot in store for people if they are just willing to check back with us.”

The Tin Roof Bakery and Café is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m seven days a week at 627 Broadway Street.

By Kayla Cook