Biz Beat 9-25-2014

Tsunami Books is in a pickle. Owner Scott Landfield tells us the building that has housed Tsunami Books on South Willamette  for 20 years is up for sale through Evans, Elder & Brown. Landfield says he has decided to keep the business going, “but where and how are now up in the air.” Ideally, he says, someone would buy the building and keep him as a tenant. “We here at Tsunami Books are totally focused on having our best holiday season ever, beginning today,” he says. “We plan to sell a gajillion books and records, have a record number of great events, and who knows what else. We are here until at least June 30, 2015.” The commercial building and its two lots are owned by Peter Dettmer Trust, the main building is 3,900 square feet and the asking price is $900,000, according to broker John Brown. 

Tiny Tavern, the oldest bar in Eugene, has shut down without much notice and questions remain about its future. The Tiny’s Facebook page just says “Closed for remodel. Stay tuned.” The storied tavern, eatery and performance venue on Blair Boulevard in the Whiteaker is owned by Jeff Malos. Manager Jevon Peck has left and is now working on opening another establishment, Old Nick’s Pub, at 211 Washington St. Look for fresh red paint on both the building and the painters. Peck, along with Tim Kenney and Emily Nyman, hope to have their new club and concert venue open in late October or early November. Old Nick’s already has a very active Facebook page. 

Saturday Market General Manager Beth Little has resigned to take a job with the Eugene Home Show, leaving a rare vacancy at the top. Little has headed the iconic market for 15 years, and the position is now open. It’s a big, full-time-plus commitment, according to the job description on the market’s website. Applications are being accepted until Oct. 10.

The Caddis Fly Shop is hosting the annual “Two-Fly Tournament” Friday and Saturday, Sept. 26-27, with local fishing guides on the McKenzie and Willamette rivers. The event is a fundraiser for McKenzie River Trust. Ninkasi is one of the sponsors, providing food and beer. Guides signed up are Chris Daughters, Lou Verdugo, Kyle Duke, Bryson Fairlamb, Clay Holloway, Brian Martz, Matt O’Neil, Matt Ramsey, Mike Reardon and others are expected. See mckenzieriver.org for registration.

Speaking of fly fishing, we hear Home Waters Fly Fishing, 444 W. 3rd Ave., in the building adjoining REI, is about to change hands. James Brown bought the shop from Allen Cline six years ago and is now in the process of selling it to Jason R. Mitzner who is expected to take over next week. The shop closed Sept. 20 for inventory (lots of feathers to count) and will open again Oct. 1. Call 342-6691. As we’ve noted before, these small, independent fishing stores often have better prices on comparable products than the big chain stores.